The New York Mets are facing a big decision regarding first baseman Pete Alonso, who is now a free agent. Alonso has been a key player for the Mets since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2019, consistently hitting home runs and producing RBI. However, his 2024 performance could be considered a down year compared to his previous seasons. Despite this, Alonso’s value to the Mets’ lineup is clear, especially after a strong showing in the postseason. The Mets will need to decide whether to re-sign him to a long-term deal, despite the risks associated with signing power-hitting first basemen over the age of 30.
President of baseball operations David Stearns has several options to consider in addressing the first base need for the Mets. One possibility is re-signing Alonso to a long-term deal, despite the potential risks associated with signing an older power hitter. Alonso’s performance and impact on the team cannot be denied, making him a valuable asset for the Mets. However, there are concerns about offering him a long-term deal given his age and recent performance. The decision will likely depend on how Stearns prioritizes filling the first base position compared to other offseason needs.
Despite the speculation surrounding Alonso’s future with the Mets, there are predictions that he will re-sign with the team on a five-year, $135 million deal. This would keep the right-handed slugger in Queens for the foreseeable future, providing stability at first base for the Mets. However, there is a possibility that Alonso may need to look elsewhere if the Mets prioritize signing other free agents, such as outfielder Juan Soto. The offseason decisions made by the Mets will have a significant impact on Alonso’s future with the team.
The dilemma facing the Mets is one that many teams face when dealing with aging power hitters. While Alonso has been a consistent performer for the Mets, there are risks associated with signing him to a long-term deal given his age. Players like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera serve as cautionary tales of the potential pitfalls of signing older power hitters to lucrative, long-term contracts. The Mets will need to weigh the potential upside of retaining Alonso against the risks involved in committing to him for an extended period.
As the Mets navigate their offseason decisions, the fate of Pete Alonso hangs in the balance. The team must decide whether to prioritize re-signing Alonso or pursue other options to fill the first base position. Alonso’s value to the team, both on and off the field, will be a key factor in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the Mets will need to weigh the risks and benefits of offering Alonso a long-term deal, considering his age and recent performance. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the Mets’ lineup and future success.
