A lost polar bear has been found at home in Queens! On Wednesday evening, news broke that Pete Alonso and the New York Mets have made an agreement on a free-agent contract. The deal is reportedly $54 million for two years with an opt-out after the first year. Alonso will receive $30 million for the first season. A physical is still pending.
Six Seasons in Queens
The four-time All-Star has spent his entire career with the Mets. In his six seasons, he has collected 226 home runs, 586 RBI, a WAR of 19.8, two Home Run Derby titles, and National League Rookie of the Year in 2019. Also in his rookie season, he set the rookie home run record, 53, and led the majors in home runs as well. Not including the shortened 2020 season, he has hit at least 34 home runs every year.
Alonso’s 2024 was not his best in comparison to other years. He was still named to the All-Star team, but his overall production was down. He had a batting average of .240, 24 home runs, 88 RBI, and slugged .788.
Cohen’s Honesty
Alonso has become a fan favorite over the past six seasons. On the Mets’ Amazin’ Day January 29th, Mets fans were chanting “We want Pete!” when owner Steve Cohen came out to speak with fans. In that, Cohen got brutally honest about how the negotiations were going stating, “I don’t like the negotiations.” Cohen also said that he and the Mets organizations were planning on moving on from Alonso. After the comments from Cohen, it was reported that conversations between Alonso’s team and the Mets were back.
For an AAV of $27, the same as Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, the Mets clearly see the value in Alonso. Bringing Alonso back to a lineup with Francisco Lindor and the now Juan Soto, the 2025 Mets are a team people are going to want to watch. Not to mention the Mets have also recently resigned Sean Manaea and have added Clay Holmes to the starting rotation.
