Could Mets lose Pete Alonso to division rival?

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso could find himself in a different uniform next season. Shortly after New York was officially eliminated from postseason contention, Alonso said he would be opting out of his two-year, $54 million deal the Mets gave him last offseason.

Whether any team will be willing to accept his contract demands remains another story. The five-time All-Star is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal as he enters his age-31 season in 2026. No team was willing to bite on Alonso last year, and he previously turned down a seven-year, $158M deal from the Mets.

Playing in all 162 games in 2025, Alonso hit 38 home runs, which ranked fourth in the National League, alongside 126 RBI, which trailed only Kyle Schwarber's 132. While his 41 doubles led the NL, he also had a league-leading 23 double-play groundouts.

Is Pete Alonso a fit for Phillies?

The 2019 Rookie of the Year would be an outstanding addition to a majority of MLB rosters, including the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. After losing to Alonso's Mets in the division series last season, the Phillies were dispatched by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS this year. The team could use some extra pop in its lineup, especially if the club fails to retain Schwarber.

Schwarber will be a free agent, and although Philadelphia has expressed a strong desire to keep him as its full-time designated hitter, nothing is guaranteed. He's even been linked to the Mets. Could the division rivals swap their power bats?

Last offseason, Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said he would move back to right field if it meant the club would sign Alonso to play first base. However, Philadelphia appears committed to keeping Harper at first. After being named a finalist for a Gold Glove Award at the position, that's likely even more so.

Alonso's defense in the corner infield wouldn't be an upgrade. Schwarber is a liability in left field, and isn't much better at first base — seeing only 75 innings there during the 2021 season with the Boston Red Sox. He rarely sees the field, hence why he's been relegated to permanent DH duties. Therefore, acquiring Alonso would give the Phillies and manager Rob Thomson more lineup flexibility, but is that really worth it?

Still, if Philadelphia loses Schwarber in free agency, perhaps it'd be willing to take a chance on Alonso. And signing them both isn't a realistic outcome for either team. Then again, both sluggers may stay put.