For a second straight MLB offseason, the million-dollar question among New York Mets fans is whether their beloved slugging free agent first baseman Pete Alonso will be back.
Alonso, affectionately know as ‘Polar Bear,’ has so far drawn lots of off-season interest as several teams, such as the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and even the Mets have reportedly been all-in for signing Alonso.
Originally drafted in 2016, 64th overall by the Mets, this 30 year-old first baseman has emerged in Queens, New York, as a real fan favorite over his seven years with the team.
Last off-season, there was plenty of anxiety among Mets fans as Alonso was a free agent. This scenario would have a happy ending as this lovable slugger thrilled Mets fans from around the globe when, on February 12, 2025, he signed a two-year $54 million-dollar contract with an opt-out after the first year which he would exercise.
Coming off a historic season which saw Alonso hit for a .272 average with 170 hits, 38 home runs, along with 126 RBIs, the ‘Polar Bear’ waited until November 3, 2025 before deciding for a second off-season in a row to become a free agent.
Every day seems to spark new rumors on where Alonso will sign. The latest rumor has the ‘Polar Bear’ taking his bat to the American League East and signing with the Boston Red Sox.
“I think Alex Bregman is leaving Boston, so they’ll need somebody to replace that production,” MLB analyst Chris Rose said. “I think that Boston is going to go after a veteran bat that you know you can plug in the middle of that line-up every day. Say what you want about his shortcomings. He’s a 900ops guy when he’s going well in that ballpark at Fenway. God knows what he could do.”
Alonso brings what the Red Six desperately need in power and veteran leadership. Stay tuned to see what happens.
The Free Agent Market for Pete Alonso
Alonso Makes History By Passing Strawberry for Most Home Runs in Mets Franchise History
Mets franchise history was made on August 12, 2025, at Citi Field, In a historic, tear-jerking moment which resulted in a thunderous ovation, Alonso captivated the baseball world when this past August 12th, during a 13-5 win against the Atlanta Braves, ‘Polar Bear’ made baseball history when, in third inning action, he smashed in 253rd career home run off of Spencer Strider, which was a two-run blast that moved him past Darryl Strawberry and into first place for most home runs in Mets franchise history.
“As a kid, you don’t really think that it’s in the realm of the possibility to be a franchise home run leader,” Alonso said. “You just want to get to the big leagues and give it your best. And the dream is really kind of this opaque and unknown thing. You just want to get there and compete, play for a World Series, play winning baseball.”
In showing his appreciation, Alonso blew kisses to the crowd while doffing his hat. Besides countless ovations, the fans also showed their love by chanting Alonso’s name as Mets players and manager Carlos Mendoza came out of the dugout to give Alonso a special congratulations.
“To be able to do that in front of this crowd, it’s really special,” Alonso said.
Alonso’s Price Tag Went Up as a Result of the Josh Naylor Signing
You can bet that Alonso and his representatives were all smiles when the Seattle Mariners re-signed first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year contract worth $92.5 million dollars. Naylor, who was traded at the 2025 deadline to the Mariners, finished up last year with a .295 average along with 20 home runs and 92 RBI’s. While these are solid respectable statistics, Alonso’s stats were better which of course means more power at the bargaining table.
Don’t count out the Mets on pulling out all the stops in signing Alonso if he is on board to serve as the team’s designated hitter.
Only time will tell where Alonso will end up this year.
Main Image: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
