With just over a week until spring training begins, MLB fans are watching closely as All-Star infielders Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman face critical decisions regarding their free agency futures. After months of negotiations, both players seem to be heading toward opposite outcomes — with Alonso likely returning to the New York Mets and Bregman expected to sign with a new team.
Pete Alonso Nearing Deal to Return to the Mets
Four-time All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso has been one of the most productive hitters in baseball, leading the National League with 226 home runs since 2019. Despite Alonso’s desire to return to the Mets and the club’s willingness to bring him back, negotiations have been tense, with Alonso needing to consider a three-year offer worth around $70 million.
The Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen, have held firm on their offer and are unwilling to meet Alonso’s long-term contract demands. The team hopes to sweeten the short-term deal by offering an opt-out after the 2025 season, allowing Alonso to test free agency again if he chooses.
Alonso’s market outside New York has been limited, with the Toronto Blue Jays as the only serious suitor. However, Alonso’s loyalty to the Mets and the lack of better options make his return to New York almost inevitable.
Alex Bregman’s Free Agency Journey
Unlike Alonso, third baseman Alex Bregman faces a more complex situation. The Houston Astros offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million contract back in November, but the All-Star declined the offer, and Houston has made little effort to renegotiate since.
The Astros moved on by acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs and signing Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker. While the Astros recently reopened talks with Bregman’s agent, no formal offer has been placed back on the table, making a reunion unlikely.
Bregman’s future now seems tied to offers from other teams. The Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox have shown strong interest, with Detroit reportedly offering a five- or six-year deal, and Boston proposing a four-year contract. The decision comes down to Bregman choosing between reuniting with former Astros manager A.J. Hinch in Detroit or playing under former Astros bench coach Alex Cora in Boston.
The Tigers’ president of baseball operations Scott Harris remains optimistic, saying, “We’re going to try to find new ways to make this team better,” indicating that Bregman is a key target in their rebuilding efforts.
The Chicago Cubs have also expressed interest in Bregman, with newly acquired Cubs reliever Ryan Pressly advocating for him to join the team. However, the Cubs are likely limited to a short-term offer.
For both players, time is running out as spring training looms. Alonso’s return to the Mets appears to be a matter of finalizing financial details, while Bregman faces a major life decision that could lead him to either Detroit or Boston.
The Mets and Astros have stuck to their terms throughout the winter, making it clear that neither team will engage in a bidding war. As such, Alonso is expected to accept the Mets’ offer, while Bregman will likely seek greener pastures with a team offering him the security of a long-term deal.
The decisions of Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman will shape not only their careers but also the futures of their respective teams. Alonso’s powerful bat will remain critical for the Mets, while Bregman’s departure could mark the end of an era for the Astros. As both players enter the final stretch of negotiations, MLB fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcements.
