New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has been one of the best sluggers in franchise history. The 30-year old, four-time All-Star has accumulated 228 homers, 594 RBIs and a 20.2 bWAR (wins above replacement as calculated by Baseball-Reference) in his seven-year career. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Alonso has been one of the Mets’ most consistent players.
Alonso re-signed with the Mets this past offseason on a two-year, $54 million contract after becoming a free agent for the first time in his career. The contract includes a player opt-out after the first season, so he could hit the open market again after the 2025 World Series.
https://t.co/Cw2c74htJo. Pete Alonso saves the Mets, shows again why he shouldn’t be a short-timer here
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 3, 2025
While Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be the biggest 2025 free agent, particularly at Alonso’s position, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported “it will be an upset now” if Toronto does not re-sign him. The MLB insider wrote in an additional column, “The belief remains that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays will figure it out for close to $500 million.”
Amid this news, the Mets face a decision on Alonso’s future. With Guerrero likely not walking through the door, the Mets must decide how committed they are to Alonso as their long-term first baseman.
“So how do they let him leave next winter?” Heyman asked rhetorically. “Some are going to speculate that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be someone the Mets chase since he’s a superstar who’s 26. But Guerrero, a Canadian citizen who grew up north of the border, belongs up there. Jays baseball president Mark Shapiro recently expressed faith they’d get that signing done, and it will be an upset now if they don’t do it.”
Heyman added: “Guerrero is great. But the reality is that Alonso is the one who fit the Mets.”
Hitters like Alonso don’t hit the open market often. Additionally, Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown little restraint in handing out huge contracts in free agency. Take, for example, the $765 million he gave to Juan Soto in December.
With another good season, Alonso could opt out of his deal and seek a much bigger contract this time. As for the Mets, they must decide how much they are willing to offer, especially with Guerrero expected to remain in Toronto.