MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Pete Alonso.
Nov. 8: How likely is it that Alonso returns to the Mets?
Alonso looked for a long-term deal as a free agent last year but had to end up settling for a two-year pact to return to the Mets. The deal contained an opt-out after the 2025 season, which Alonso exercised on Tuesday. He will once again be looking for a lengthy contract this offseason — especially after hitting 38 homers this past season — but will such a contract come from the Mets?
Ragazzo added: “Alonso will likely get paid handsomely in free agency and it remains to be seen whether the Mets are comfortable giving the soon-to-be 31-year-old first baseman a long-term deal.”
If Alonso doesn’t come back to the only team he’s ever known as a pro, the Mets could shift their focus to Cody Bellinger, who can play first base as well as all three outfield spots. Ragazzo wrote that the Mets could be “heavily in on” Bellinger because of his versatility and his proven ability to perform well in New York.
Nov. 4: What will Alonso’s market look like this offseason?
Alonso officially opted out of the final season and $24 million remaining on his contract on Tuesday, as he said he would after the end of the Mets’ season. That decision had been all but inevitable since Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract to return to the Mets in February. His deal was front-loaded with a $30 million salary in 2025, making the decision easier.
While the Mets could pursue a reunion, there figures to be more competition for his services than there was a year ago. The first baseman not only had a much better season in 2025 than he did in ’24 but also isn’t eligible to receive another qualifying offer.
Alonso’s market last winter could best be described as lukewarm, with a number of teams including the Phillies, Blue Jays, Giants and Red Sox connected to the first baseman to varying degrees. None offered Alonso the long-term deal he was seeking, prompting him to return to the Mets on the two-year deal with the opt-out.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, four of those five teams could look at Alonso again this offseason, the lone exception being Toronto, which signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year, $500 million extension in April. If the Red Sox do not retain Alex Bregman – like Alonso, he opted out and became a free agent – Alonso could make sense. Other potential fits include the Cubs, D-backs, Nationals and Mariners.
