NEW YORK — Star first baseman Pete Alonso is staying with the New York Mets after agreeing to a two-year, $54 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press. The agreement, first reported by The New York Post, is contingent upon Alonso passing a physical.
Contract Details
- Signing Bonus: $10 million
- 2024 Salary: $20 million
- 2026 Salary: $24 million
- Opt-Out Clause: Alonso can opt out after the 2025 season to become a free agent.
The Mets had also offered a three-year, $71 million contract with the following structure:
- $27 million in 2025
- $22 million annually in 2026 and 2027
- Opt-out options after each of the first two years.
Alonso’s Journey Through Contract Negotiations
Alonso’s negotiations were lengthy and challenging compared to other free-agent first basemen. The Mets’ owner, Steve Cohen, previously voiced frustrations about the contract structures presented by Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, who also represents Juan Soto.
“I don’t like the structures being presented to us,” Cohen said. “It’s highly asymmetric against us, and I feel strongly about it. But we are moving forward and continue to bring in players, making it harder to fit Pete into an already expensive roster.”
Alonso, who switched to Boras after the 2023 season, had previously turned down a $158 million, seven-year contract in 2023, covering the 2024-2030 seasons. He instead accepted a $20.5 million, one-year deal to avoid arbitration.
Alonso’s Performance and Fan Legacy
Pete Alonso, nicknamed the Polar Bear, has been a fan favorite at Citi Field since joining the Mets. The four-time All-Star hit 226 homers over six seasons but saw his performance fluctuate in recent years:
- 2019: Named NL Rookie of the Year with a .260 batting average, a major league-best 53 homers (rookie record), and 120 RBIs.
- 2022: Recorded a career-high 131 RBIs.
- 2023: Batted a career-low .217, but hit 46 homers with 118 RBIs.
- 2024: Hit .240 with 34 homers and 88 RBIs.
Despite the dip in offensive numbers and a career-high 172 strikeouts last season, Alonso delivered key moments, including a three-run, ninth-inning homer off Devin Williams that helped the Mets win the decisive game of the NL Wild Card Series.
Mets Strengthen Their Roster for 2025
The Mets have made significant moves in the offseason after falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. The team has added star players and re-signed key contributors, including:
- Juan Soto
- Frankie Montas
- Clay Holmes
- Griffin Canning
- A.J. Minter
- Re-signed players:
- Sean Manaea (LHP)
- Ryne Stanek (RHP)
- Jesse Winker (OF)
With these moves and Alonso’s return, the Mets hope to make a deeper playoff run in the 2025 season.
Despite the challenges during negotiations, Pete Alonso’s return ensures stability at first base and solidifies the Mets’ offensive lineup. Fans at Citi Field will continue to cheer on the homegrown slugger as he seeks to bounce back and lead the team to postseason success.
With a strengthened roster and Alonso back in action, the Mets have their eyes set on a championship run.
