Three potential landing spots for Pete Alonso

Maybe the second time is the charm for New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

Alonso entered free agency during the 2024-25 offseason after reportedly rejecting a seven-year, $158 million extension during the 2023 season. His market never developed as expected, and Alonso eventually re-signed with the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out after the 2025 season.

There is reason to believe that Alonso will secure the long-term deal he has been looking for this time. The two-time Home Run Derby champion is coming off his best season since 2022, in which he slashed .272/.347/.524 over 709 plate appearances, hitting 38 homers and leading the National League with 41 doubles. Notably, Alonso no longer has the qualifying offer attached to him this offseason, removing a potential barrier for teams hesitant to lose a draft pick. 

Alonso should have a different experience in free agency this offseason. Let's take a look at three potential landing spots for the five-time All-Star.

Three potential landing spots for Pete Alonso in free agency

1. New York Mets

The Mets need at least one more powerful bat to protect Juan Soto in the lineup. Alonso was impressive in that role in 2025, driving in the second-most runs of his career (126) as Soto's ability to draw walks became even more valuable. Alonso, who will be 31 in December, has made it clear that, although he opted out of his contract, he wants to stay with the Mets going forward.

There are potential obstacles to a reunion. Alonso is not the strongest defensive first baseman, and president of baseball operations David Stearns has highlighted the Mets' run prevention as an area needing improvement, which could make Alonso a potential designated hitter. Soto might also have to switch to the DH role sooner rather than later. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that Alonso has thrived in New York. If he’s open to a shorter deal, a return to the Mets is entirely possible.

2. Boston Red Sox

First base was a bit of a revolving door for the Red Sox as five players made at least 12 appearances at the position in 2025. Triston Casas was one of the worst players in baseball before missing the final five months of the season with a ruptured left patellar tendon. Abraham Toro, the Red Sox's primary first baseman in 2025, posted a mediocre .659 OPS over 284 plate appearances. Boston clearly needs more from first base.

The question might be whether the Red Sox believe Casas can return to his 2023 form, when he finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 23 homers. As MLB Network's Jon Morosi suggested that the Red Sox have the best chance of any team to lure Alonso away from the Mets, Boston might be ready to move on from Casas. If so, Alonso would be the type of power bat the Red Sox need.

3. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds usually don't target the top free agents. Their biggest free agent deals in team history are tied between third baseman Mike Moustakas and outfielder Nick Castellanos — four years, $64 million. If the Reds want to pursue signing Alonso, it will require an unprecedented financial commitment from ownership.

And yet, Alonso is exactly the type of bat the Reds need if they want to take another step forward in 2026. ESPN's Jeff Passan speculated that the Reds could be a landing spot for Alonso, providing the power and run production the lineup is missing. If Alonso is to land the contract he's seeking, Cincinnati could be the place.