Pete Alonso saga reaches its inevitable conclusion

The deal, which is reportedly for two years and $54 million with an opt-out after the first year, comes after a market that never developed for the 30-year-old first baseman this winter. Alonso reportedly had an offer from the Toronto Blue Jays as well, though that never materialized.

While Alonso returns to the Mets, the only organization he's ever known, his first foray into free agency was anything but a triumph despite hiring super agent Scott Boras to spearhead his search for a big payday. That has earned the latter much criticism, as he seems to only be able to wield his influence over true superstar clients like Alonso's new Mets teammate Juan Soto. 

Still, Alonso gets the closure he was seeking (and many were expecting), even if not under the circumstances he was hoping for. A big reason why the veteran first baseman's market stagnated was undoubtedly his age (30), but also his one-dimensional skill set. As a first baseman who plays average defense and offers little else but the potential to hit 30 to 40 home runs per season, Alonso's value was never sky-high. 

In other words, the two-time Home Run Derby champion overplayed his hand on the open market, hoping to score better than the seven-year, $158 million he was reportedly offered by the Mets in 2023.

Alonso hit 34 home runs in 2024, good for a .788 OPS. With 226 career home runs under his belt, he can now resume his chase for the Mets' all-time home run record, currently held by legendary outfielder Darryl Strawberry, who had 252 in the orange and blue.

Alonso will join a Mets lineup in 2025 that already has superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto, as well as key returning players like outfielder Brandon Nimmo, catcher Francisco Alvarez, third baseman Mark Vientos and utility man Jeff McNeil, among others. 

New York will also look to make its second consecutive postseason appearance in 2025.