The New York Mets and Pete Alonso have been like that messy couple everyone knows about - on-again, off-again, full of drama, yet destined to be together. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, they’ve reunited! Mets fans, rejoice: the Polar Bear is staying in Queens, (at least for now).
Pete Alonso has made it clear for years - he loves the Mets, the fans love him, and he wanted a long-term deal to stay in New York. Since being selected in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft, Alonso has become a franchise cornerstone. He was named the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year after smashing an MLB rookie record 53 home runs.
Alonso has earned four All-Star selections, and led the league in home runs in his rookie campaign and RBIs in 2022. Beyond his stats, his kind, fun, and larger-than-life personality makes him a beloved figure in the clubhouse and among the fanbase.
But love isn’t always easy. In 2023, the Mets attempted to lock up their star slugger with a seven-year, $158 million contract extension under his previous agency, Apex Baseball, and the Mets' previous General Manager, Billy Eppler. Alonso, betting on himself, turned it down and fired his agency - hoping for an even bigger payday.
Unfortunately for Alonso, that gamble didn’t pay off the way he envisioned. Meanwhile, Juan Soto, another superstar who bet on himself before the 2024 season, hit the jackpot with a historic fifteen-year, $765 million deal from the Mets, making it the richest contract in MLB (and all North American pro sports) history. Alonso, seeing his market value slip after a tough season, realized he wasn't getting the $200 million deal his new high-profile agent, Scott Boras (who also represents Juan Soto), had promised.
Although Alonso’s 2024 season wasn’t a career year, he still delivered standout moments, most notably a massive go-ahead three-run homer to send the team to the NLDS. Alonso’s ninth inning Wild Card Game 3 homer kept the season alive, reminding fans why they adore him.
At the team’s annual Fan Fest, where Mets owner Steve Cohen and team president David Stearns were present, the cheers for Alonso were deafening. This overwhelming support could’ve been a factor in getting a deal done. After much back-and-forth, Cohen personally flew to Tampa to make it happen.
The result? A two-year, $54 million deal: a one-year, $30 million contract with a player option for a second year at $24 million. This deal gives Alonso the flexibility to test free agency after 2025 if he delivers a strong season or remain with the Mets if things don’t go as planned. While teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds were rumored to be interested, Alonso is set to continue holding down first base in Queens. It’s not the long-term security he originally sought, but it keeps the door open for future negotiations.
With the news, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza couldn’t hide his excitement. “Once I got the news that we got Pete back – big smile on my face," he said, reflecting on the moment. Mendoza knows how much Alonso means to the team and the fans.
“The whole offseason was about if he was going to come back or not…He enjoys the city, he enjoys the fan base. He brings a lot, and I’m excited.” Mendoza and the front office clearly see his value, and Cohen’s willingness to personally negotiate shows just how much the team wanted Alonso to stay.
The 2025 Season: Make-or-Break for Pete?
With Soto likely hitting in front of him, Alonso has a golden opportunity to put up monster numbers. More guys on base in front of him means more RBIs, which could only equate to one thing: bigger contract potential next offseason. For Alonso, it’ll be a matter of putting the bat to the ball and driving in runs as he’s done his whole career. But will he chase the money elsewhere?
One thing is certain: Alonso is climbing up the Mets’ all-time home run leaderboard. He currently sits at 226, trailing only Darryl Strawberry (252) and David Wright (242). Does he break the record this season? Mets fans certainly hope so.
For now, Queens remains a Polar Bear habitat. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their beloved slugger is back, and the saga between Alonso and the Mets gets another chapter. The question is - will it be a happy ending?
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