As the MLB offseason progresses, the future of New York Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso has become a hot topic, with fans eagerly hoping for his return to Queens. Alonso, known for his prodigious power and ability to anchor the Mets’ lineup, has been a cornerstone of the team for several seasons. However, as contract talks ramp up, the road to a reunion appears anything but straightforward.  

Reports indicate that both sides are entering a tense negotiation phase, with Alonso seeking a lucrative, long-term deal that reflects his status as one of the league’s premier sluggers. The Mets, on the other hand, have shown a willingness to explore various options, possibly including trading their star player if they cannot reach an agreement that makes financial sense for their broader roster plans.

Sal Licata, Dani Wexler, Anthony McCarron, and Hannah Keyser speculate about Pete Alonso’s thoughts and feelings over his “awkward” free agency story on Baseball Night in New York. Keyser says, “The way that this has been going is just awkward. But the problem is I think it’s sort of awkward for Pete, regardless. At this point, we all already know that Pete Alonso is not getting the money. He wants the years, he wants out of this free agency.”

 

Alonso is having a disappointing free agency, and that is true regardless of where he goes. Keyser adds that she does not think it is awkward for the Mets, and the club thinks that they are in a good position. The main concern is now if the Mets do take Pete Alonso back, would he be able to perform under pressure? The 30-year-old did not have a great season in 2024, where he posted a .240 batting average, with 34 home runs, 88 RBI, and a 2.6 WAR. Sure, his regular season performance was not up to the mark, which is why the Mets are reluctant to offer him a long-term deal. That and the age factor. 

Will everything be back to normal inside the clubhouse after ‘The Polar Bear’ returns? 

The 30-year-old first baseman has been a fixture in the Mets’ lineup for all six of his MLB seasons, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier power hitters. With 226 home runs and 586 RBIs to his name, Alonso has earned the nickname ‘The Polar Bear’ for his massive contributions to the team’s offense. However, despite his impressive track record, the Mets and Alonso have a whole bridge to cross, especially after he rejected a $158 million, seven-year offer during the 2023 season.  

Now, the Mets have countered with a much shorter, three-year deal worth $70 million, signaling their hesitation to commit long-term to the slugger. However, this is said to have been rejected by him as well. This negotiation standoff has raised questions about Alonso’s future in Queens, and according to Columnist Lennon, it could lead to significant tension within the Mets’ clubhouse. The stark contrast between Alonso’s expectations and the Mets’ current offer could be tough for him to swallow, especially given his pride and status within the organization.  

Lennon pointed out that it’s often difficult for players to return to a team after a contract dispute, as the damage to their relationship with the club can linger. Mets owner Steve Cohen has pulled back the curtain on the challenging nature of the talks, describing them as “exhausting.” The back-and-forth negotiations, led by Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, have been fraught with frustration. If the sides can’t find common ground soon, Alonso’s time with the Mets could come to an abrupt end, leaving both the player and the franchise at a crossroads.