Could this 'motivating factor' cause Pete Alonso to re-sign with Mets?

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso challenged team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns to "come through" with a big-money contract extension after becoming the franchise's new home run king on Tuesday.

After Alonso slugged career homers 253 and 254 in a 13-5 win over the Atlanta Braves, outfielder Brandon Nimmo discussed how a desire to build upon a legacy with the franchise could result in Alonso re-signing with the Mets again. 

"I know it was a motivating factor for me," Nimmo said about agreeing to an eight-year contract reportedly worth $162M to stay with the Mets in December 2022, per the New York Daily News' Peter Sblendorio. "So if it was a motivating factor for me coming back, then it’ll be a motivating factor for him. There’s only one organization that you’re drafted by. There’s only one organization that you come up with and set these marks with. To have to restart is not something everyone wants to do."

The market for Alonso's services was quiet last offseason before he accepted a two-year deal to return to the Mets. That likely won't be the case this fall, assuming he opts out of his existing contract shortly after the postseason ends. 

Per ESPN stats, Alonso began Wednesday ranked third in MLB with 96 RBI on the season. Over his first 119 games of the campaign, he slashed .267/.352/.528 with a team-high .880 OPS and 28 home runs. 

Alonso, Nimmo and shortstop Francisco Lindor have been mentioned as potential captains for the Mets. That said, the New York Yankees could be among the potential suitors for Alonso later this year if he becomes available. 

"I’m just really proud of him," Nimmo added about Alonso setting the Mets’ all-time home-run record. "And to reach this mark at such a young stage, I can’t wait to see what he sets this mark at for good." 

Whether or not Alonso continues to add to his franchise mark beyond the 2025 campaign remains to be seen.