First baseman Pete Alonso has opted out of the final year of his contract with the New York Mets, entering free agency after a strong 2025 season with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. The Mets have begun preliminary talks with Alonso, but interest from teams like the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies could lead to a competitive bidding war. Analysts expect a more lucrative market this offseason compared to last year, without a qualifying offer attached.
Pete Alonso, who became the Mets' all-time home run leader with 264 career homers, exercised his opt-out clause on November 4, forgoing $24 million for 2026. In 2025, he batted .272 with a .524 slugging percentage, .871 OPS, 87 runs, and 3.6 WAR over 162 games, rebounding from a .788 OPS in 2024.
The Mets and Alonso's agent, Scott Boras, have held initial discussions, which MLB Network's Jon Heyman described as progressing better than last offseason's negotiations. Mets president David Stearns expressed desire to retain Alonso for his production and lineup protection alongside Juan Soto. However, Sports Illustrated's Pat Ragazzo reported the expectation that the Mets will allow Alonso to walk unless he accepts a team-friendly deal, potentially shifting focus to versatile outfielder Cody Bellinger or in-house option Mark Vientos at first base.
Alonso's market appears robust, with Heyman noting interest from the Giants, Red Sox, Mariners, Yankees, and Phillies. MLB Network's Jon Paul Morosi highlighted the Red Sox as the strongest contender, stating, "I believe the Red Sox are the strongest contender of anyone to take Pete Alonso away from the New York Mets... I think Alonso to the Red Sox has some real legs if they don't bring back Alex Bregman." Boston's first basemen slugged just .386 in 2025, making Alonso's power a fit for Fenway Park, though prospect Marcelo Mayer could fill third base if Bregman departs.
Other potential suitors include the Orioles, who seek a power bat ahead of Ryan Mountcastle's free agency; the Phillies, as a replacement if Kyle Schwarber leaves; and the Nationals, needing a veteran star. Alonso's defense remains a concern, with -9 outs above average in each of the past two seasons, but Boras has indicated openness to designated hitter duties. Without a qualifying offer, executives anticipate a long-term deal exceeding his previous two-year, $54 million pact.