It’s easy to overlook Pete Alonso’s free agency with all the spotlight on Juan Soto’s sweepstakes, but the Mets’ slugger is also headed for a big decision. A four-time All-Star, Alonso has spent his entire career with the Mets but is now gearing up for what could be his next chapter in a different uniform. With the Mets likely focused on locking up Soto, Alonso’s future remains a key subplot in New York’s offseason. 

His next contract will surely have significant implications for the team’s direction moving forward. Pete Alonso is a beloved figure in Queens, with his home-run power and fiery personality. While the Mets’ fanbase would undoubtedly love to see him return, the front office, led by David Stearns, may be hesitant to offer a long-term deal. At 29, Alonso is entering the prime years of his career, but Stearns and the Mets might be shy of committing to a lengthy contract. 

Pete Alonso’s future with the Mets 

On the Foul Territory podcast, SNY’s Andy Martino recently commented on Pete Alonso’s free agency. He talked about  Alonso’s potential future with both the Mets and the New York Yankees, especially if either team misses out on Juan Soto. “I would say with the Mets, it’s sort of a complicated situation with Pete Alonso,” Martino said, adding, “The attention would certainly turn, publicly, to, ‘Okay, you didn’t get Soto, so what’s going on with Pete?’ I’m sure Pete is eager to get his free agency going too, so that’d be something you’d hear more about.”  

Martino highlighted how Alonso’s situation could become a crucial point if the Mets fail to land Soto. He also pointed out that while the Mets could face pressure to make a decision on Alonso, they aren’t likely to offer him a long-term deal, especially considering his age and position. Martino explained. “I’m not saying Alonso is necessarily the priority, but turning to that situation and figuring it out would become a priority.”

This makes sense, given the Mets’ front office philosophy under Stearns. While Alonso’s bat is undoubtedly valuable, the Mets may decide that locking up a first baseman for the long haul isn’t the best move. So, if not the Mets, then who? 

The Yankees might be a landing spot, according to an NFL star 

Former NFL star Norman Julius “Boomer” Esiason stirred up some speculation last month. He predicted that Pete Alonso’s future would likely be with the New York Yankees. Esiason, a longtime sports personality, pointed out that Alonso’s bat and demeanor would be a perfect fit for the Bronx. This prediction may be a reality, especially if the Yankees miss out on Juan Soto. The idea of Alonso wearing pinstripes has a certain appeal, doesn’t it? 

If the Mets decide not to commit long-term to Alonso, the Yankees could emerge as a strong suitor, ready to pounce on the opportunity to land the 29-year-old first baseman. NFL icon Norman said, “He’s going to be a Yankee. If Juan Soto is in right field for the Mets, Pete Alonso is at first base for the Yankees. I assure you.” Esiason is a former quarterback who spent 14 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hence, this prediction adds fuel to the fire for speculation surrounding Alonso’s free agency. 

Esiason’s take may sound plausible, but when it comes to the Mets, money isn’t exactly a limitation—it wouldn’t be surprising if the Mets pulled off both deals. If Cohen is determined to keep Alonso in Queens alongside Soto, there’s little doubt he could make it happen, making for a compelling scenario where the Mets remain the frontrunners to retain their star slugger. The question, then, might be whether the Mets are willing to commit long-term to Alonso, especially with the future of the team’s roster still evolving.