Months went by with the New York Mets facing a pressing question that wasn’t about their updated lineup or championship dreams but centered around the signing of Pete Alonso instead. The prolonged talks over the contract saw a mix of rumors and changing hopes that left the team in an awkward spot. Now that the slugger is sealing his comeback deal with the team manager Carlos Mendoza can finally exhale a breath of relief.

Alonso’s free agency played out differently than anticipated in the baseball world. Despite his solid reputation as a power hitter his market value didn’t quite reach the heights expected for the 29-year-old player. The Mets opted for a cautious strategy with Alonso by insisting on a short-term deal with an opt-out after one year. This is a stark contrast to the long-term megadeals typically given to cornerstone players. With few alternatives, Alonso ultimately returned to Queens, though the process left many wondering about the long-term future of his Mets tenure.

Mendoza in relief as Pete Alonso returns to the New York

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t hold back his excitement when discussing Pete Alonso’s return, in a SNY YouTube video. He said “I’m not going to lie—excited,” Mendoza admitted. “The whole offseason was whether Pete was going to come back or not.” His words reflected the emotional weight of the prolonged negotiations, which had left both fans and the team uncertain about the slugger’s future in Queens.

Beyond Alonso’s bat, Mendoza emphasized the value of having a durable and dependable presence in the lineup. “As a manager, having the feel and knowing who’s going to be in the middle of your lineup, not worrying about who’s playing first base, it means a lot,” he explained. Mendoza highlighted Alonso’s ability to play through adversity, recalling moments in 2024 when the first baseman insisted on playing despite not feeling his best. “There were days where I didn’t feel he was going to be a player for us. He kept pushing it and it’s like, ‘I’m playing.’”

Now that the mystery surrounding Alonso has finally been resolved, the Mets team members can now shift their focus to facing competition in the NL East division. Mendoza and the front office will need to think about what lies ahead for Alonso in the run but at present their main goal is achieving success in 2025.

Can the Mets challenge the Braves and Phillies?

The Mets have made some great moves this offseason; however, it’s still uncertain if they can really compete with the Braves and Phillies this offseason. Atlanta stands out in the NL East with their lineup featuring Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley along with a solid pitching rotation. While the Phillies had a playoff run last season and have kept their core intact making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the National League. Meanwhile, the Mets have brought in Juan Soto to strengthen the lineup but their overall performance hinges greatly on the effectiveness of their pitching staff, particularly Kodai Senga and Luis Severino stepping up alongside newly acquired arms.

Alonso’s coming back strengthens the Mets’ offensive lineup; however, they must maintain consistency to challenge Atlanta and Philadelphia successfully season after injuries and underperformances hurt their chances in 2024 season closings. To close the gap with their rivals the Mets will require more than Alonso’s batting prowess. They will need showings from players such as Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz along with a strong bullpen that can secure leads against tough opponents.

In the end, with a strengthened roster, New York is positioned to be more competitive, but dethroning the Braves or overtaking the Phillies will require sustained excellence throughout the season.