Pete Alonso returns to New York Mets
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Julian Guiliarte, New York correspondent
- February 5, 2025
Pete Alonso reaches two-year deal with Mets
The Polar Bear ended his long winter of hibernation for Mets fans wondering if he would return to Queens. The New York Mets and Pete Alonso finally ended their three-month staredown in free agency.
Alonso agreed to a two-year, $54 million deal with a $24 million player option for 2026 to re-sign with the Mets, according to multiple reports. SNY insider Andy Martino was the first to report the news on his X account.
Alonso, 30, has played his entire six-year career in Queens. Mets owner Steve Cohen cast doubt about Alonso’s return with a strong statement pushing back against angry Mets fans on Amazing Day at Citi Field on Jan. 25.
“Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation,” Cohen said on Jan. 25. “I mean, (Juan Soto’s negotiation) was tough. This is worse. A lot of it is. We’ve made a significant offer.”
Pete Alonso gives Mets deep lineup
Nonetheless, Cohen still never fully closed the door on Alonso. This was complicated by the fact that the Mets offered him a seven-year $158 million dollar contract extension in June 2023. Alonso didn’t take the offer, and he eventually fired his agent and hired Scott Boras.
The Mets’ lineup is now more complete. Slugger Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets in December, will have the necessary protection behind him with Alonso.
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This deal will also allow Mark Vientos, 25, to stay at third base while Alonso returns to first base. Soto, Alonso, Vientos and shortstop Francisco Lindor will give the Mets a strong top four at the top of the lineup.
Chasing history
Alonso has a chance to chase down history and become the Mets’ all-time home run leader. With 226 career home runs, he needs only 27 to top Darryl Strawberry’s Mets franchise record of 252 home runs.
Alonso hit 34 home runs last season. That was the lowest of his career outside or the Covid-shortened 60-game season in 2020. His 88 RBIs and .788 OPS were also career lows in 608 at-bats. He showed up in the postseason, though.
Alonso hit a three-run home run against Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams to keep their season alive in the National League Wild Card round.
The 2019 NL Rookie of the Year is a four-time All-Star. He set MLB’s all-time rookie record of 53 home runs, passing New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge’s record of 52 in 2018. Alonso has hit 40 home runs or more in three seasons. He has 568 RBIs with a slash line of .249/.339/.514 in 3,139 at-bats.
Now he will look to help the Mets win a difficult NL East with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in their way.
Julian Guiliarte
New York correspondent
Julian is a New Jersey-New York based reporter who has experience covering the Yankees and Mets. He is also very knowledgeable with the Mets and Yankees’ farm systems.
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