Why the New York Mets Must Act Quickly to Retain Pete Alonso Before the Season Ends

Pete Alonso has had a remarkable start to the 2025 MLB season. After earning the National League Player of the Month award in April and showcasing his exceptional hitting abilities, he has emerged as one of the most powerful and consistent batters in the league. With a batting average near .350, 8 home runs, and a league-leading 30 RBIs, Alonso is setting himself up for a career year. However, with his current contract situation and a player option that could see him opt out of his deal at the end of this season, the New York Mets face a critical decision: they need to extend Pete Alonso before it’s too late.

The Urgency to Extend Alonso’s Contract

Alonso’s contract, which was signed before the start of the 2024 season, is a two-year, $54 million deal, with a player option to opt out after the 2025 season. If Alonso continues his incredible pace through the remainder of this year, there’s a strong likelihood he will choose to opt out and pursue a bigger contract in free agency.

For the Mets, this means they have a limited window to secure Alonso’s future in Queens before he becomes one of the most sought-after free agents. The team cannot afford to wait until the offseason to start negotiations, as losing their star slugger could deal a serious blow to their lineup and overall competitiveness.

Pete Alonso’s Impact on the Mets

Alonso is far more than just a home run hitter—he is the cornerstone of the Mets’ offense. Over the years, he has consistently delivered at the plate, earning four All-Star selections, a Rookie of the Year award, and a reputation as one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. His ability to consistently drive in runs and hit for power makes him indispensable for the Mets, especially as they look to make a serious playoff push in the coming seasons.

One of the key reasons for the Mets to retain Alonso is his remarkable consistency. He has proven year after year that he can hit 40+ home runs, and his RBI totals consistently rank among the best in the league. This run-producing ability is invaluable to any contending team, and for the Mets, Alonso provides the kind of offensive stability that makes their lineup dangerous from top to bottom.

Mets’ Offensive Future Without Alonso

Looking at the Mets’ offense without Alonso is a daunting proposition. While the team has solid pieces, such as Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and the newly acquired Juan Soto, no player brings the same level of power and clutch hitting as Alonso. He has been the focal point of their offense since his debut, and without him, the Mets would lose a major piece of their offensive identity.

Alonso’s combination of power and consistency allows the Mets to build their lineup around him. His ability to hit for both average and power—coupled with his leadership in the clubhouse—makes him the perfect fit for the Mets’ future. If Alonso were to leave, it would not only create a hole in the lineup but also diminish the team’s overall depth and ability to compete with the best teams in the National League.

The Mets Cannot Afford to Lose Alonso

In any sport, losing a player of Alonso’s caliber is a significant setback, and in baseball, the impact can be even more pronounced. The Mets are currently in a highly competitive division, and losing their most consistent offensive producer would make it much harder for them to keep pace with teams like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. The franchise cannot afford to let one of the top power hitters in the league walk away when they still have the chance to extend him.

The Mets have the financial resources to keep Alonso in Queens long-term, and it would be wise for the organization to prioritize his extension. The alternative—allowing Alonso to opt out of his contract and hit the open market—could result in a bidding war that ultimately sees the Mets lose their star slugger to a bigger, more lucrative offer from another team.

The Case for a Long-Term Extension

Given Alonso’s exceptional performance and his importance to the Mets, a long-term extension makes perfect sense for both the player and the team. The Mets have an ownership group under Steve Cohen that is willing to invest in the roster, and locking in Alonso for the long haul would be a statement of intent for the future of the team.

A long-term deal would not only secure Alonso’s services for the next several years but would also allow the Mets to build their roster around a proven star. With Juan Soto added to the lineup and other key players on the team, keeping Alonso in the fold would provide the Mets with the stability they need to be competitive for the next 5-7 seasons.

What Should a Contract Extension Look Like?

While the Mets are likely prepared to offer Alonso a substantial contract extension, the details of the deal will play a crucial role in securing his future with the team. A fair and competitive offer would have to reflect Alonso’s value as one of the best hitters in baseball, and it should place him among the top earners in the league.

An extension could be structured in a way that offers both short-term security and long-term flexibility for the team. Given Alonso’s age (currently 29) and his proven track record, the Mets should be prepared to offer him a deal that takes him through his prime years. A 5-7 year contract would provide both sides with stability, and it would allow the Mets to have a marquee slugger in their lineup for the foreseeable future.

Why Alonso’s Extension is Crucial for the Mets

The Mets are entering a critical period in their rebuild, and retaining Alonso is crucial to their long-term success. Extending Alonso is about more than just keeping a great hitter; it’s about sending a message to the rest of the league and the Mets’ fanbase that the team is committed to building a championship contender.

Alonso has shown that he can carry the offense, and with players like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto joining the mix, the Mets’ lineup could become one of the most potent in the league. Extending Alonso ensures that the team will have a consistent offensive force in the middle of the lineup for years to come, and it also sets the stage for potential playoff runs.

Alonso’s Career with the Mets: Legacy Building

For Alonso, extending his career with the Mets could mean becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs, RBIs, and other major offensive categories. He has already cemented his place as one of the best power hitters in Mets history, and a long-term deal would allow him to continue to build on that legacy.

In addition to the statistical milestones, staying with the Mets gives Alonso the chance to be part of something bigger—leading the team to postseason glory and potentially bringing a World Series title to Queens for the first time since 1986. Alonso has already made a significant impact on the franchise, and by remaining with the Mets for the long haul, he has the opportunity to become an iconic figure in the city’s sports history.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Alonso Walk

In conclusion, the Mets cannot afford to let Pete Alonso leave. His early success this season, combined with his past achievements, has proven his worth as one of the best hitters in baseball. If they want to compete for championships over the next several seasons, securing Alonso with a contract extension should be a priority.

With Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and the Mets’ desire to build a sustainable winner, there is every reason to believe that they can come to an agreement with Alonso that will keep him in New York for the long-term. As one of the premier players in the league, Pete Alonso deserves to remain the cornerstone of the Mets’ offense. The time to act is now—before it’s too late.