The New York Mets pulled off a record-breaking $765 million deal to bring outfielder Juan Soto to Queens, but their work isn’t done yet. President of baseball operations David Stearns now faces the challenge of finding a hitter to bat behind the 26-year-old in the lineup. A key decision looms: will the Mets re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso or part ways with their homegrown star to pursue third baseman Alex Bregman?
At the start of the offseason, Alonso seemed like a fit for several teams. However, clubs like the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Washington Nationals have since gone in different directions. While the Mets are considered the “most obvious fit” for the power-hitting first baseman, negotiations reportedly have a significant gap, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
Could a deal still come together? FOX Sports’ Rowan Kavner believes Alonso will ultimately remain with the Mets on a long-term contract.
“With the Astros and Yankees addressing first base in free agency, I think it’s down to the Mets and (San Francisco) Giants for Alonso, with a return to Queens being the likely outcome. I could see a creative deal, but let’s say six years, $156 million,” Kavner speculated.
Such a contract would align closely with the seven-year, $158 million extension Alonso turned down in June 2023. If Alonso does stay in Queens, he has a chance to cement his legacy by becoming the Mets’ all-time home run leader as soon as 2025.
Alonso has already hit 226 home runs in his first six seasons, ranking third in franchise history. To claim the top spot, he would need to surpass David Wright (242 homers) and Darryl Strawberry (252 homers).
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