Since joining the league in 2019, Pete Alonso has averaged 44 home runs per year over his first four seasons, solidifying his status as a top power threat. In 2024, Alonso hit 34 home runs while playing all 162 games, with an impressive 15 of those coming in 67 games after the All-Star break. His postseason heroics will be remembered, particularly the series-winning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Series. As Alonso now enters free agency for the first time after six seasons with the New York Mets, it remains uncertain whether those moments will be his last in a New York uniform.
Pete Alonso Free Agency Profile
Alonso’s future with the Mets leads to a laundry list of players that are set to become available on the open market. The Mets are all that Alonso has known since he was drafted in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
Alonso is entering free agency after two challenging years, and he may age poorly as a player. He has hit .229/.324/.480 over the last two seasons and struck out just under 25 percent of the time. He posted the highest groundball rate of his career in 2024, while his hard-hit rates are all at or near career lows, he has become very vulnerable to the breaking stuff.
Alonso’s defensive limitations at first base are well-documented with Statcast crediting him with -18 runs on defense over his career. Aside from the struggles, Alonso broke into the majors in 2019, securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. Five more productive seasons followed after crushing a major league rookie-record 53 home runs in his first season. Alonso won two Home Run Derbys and hit 226 home runs in six seasons, ranking behind Darryl Strawberry (252) and David Wright (242). He is now one of many Mets free agents alongside J.D. Martinez, Jose Iglesias, Sean Manaea and Luis Severino.
Potential Suitors
As Alonso enters the free agent market, several teams will likely vie for his services. These teams can be categorized into three main groups: those seeking a power-hitting first baseman or designated hitter, contenders looking to enhance their lineup depth, and clubs with sufficient payroll flexibility. The following teams fit these criteria and could be potential destinations for Alonso.
New York Yankees
The Yankees reached the World Series but still have significant gaps to fill, especially at first base. Their combined batting line for first basemen was .206/.282/.312 alongside just 17 home runs. With Anthony Rizzo now a free agent, there is a clear void in the lineup. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees see Alonso as a “prime backup plan” should they be unable to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto. Acquiring Alonso may be their best option, even as they look to revamp their bullpen and improve their infield and overall depth.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners missed the postseason in 2024 and are expected to be active in free agency. Mariners owner John Stanton stated that the team plans to increase its payroll in 2025 following a disappointing season. Rival teams see the Mariners as contenders for Pete Alonso, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. If the Mariners pursue Alonso, he fits excellently. Seattle needs productive bats and currently lacks both a short-term and long-term solution at first base. Pairing Alonso’s power with Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena would be a significant step toward rebuilding the Mariners’ offense.
New York Mets
The Mets, meanwhile, must decide whether to re-sign Alonso or explore alternative options. Losing Alonso would significantly impact the Mets’ lineup, but internal replacements or other free agents could help mitigate the loss. The Mets do have a potential in-house replacement in Mark Vientos, should Alonso sign elsewhere.
Market Value and Projections
Spotrac projects that Alonso will receive a six-year, $174 million contract. They compared Alonso’s value to Nolan Arenado‘s eight-year, $260 million deal and Matt Olson‘s eight-year, $168 million deal from the Atlanta Braves in 2023. As Alonso navigates the free agent market, his defensive capabilities and versatility will be attractive assets. Prominent free agents at first base and designated hitter will draw attention to Alonso’s offseason activities.
Main Photo: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
