Pete Alonso unexpectedly mentioned the one thing that could make him leave the Mets – and it has nothing to do with money.

Pete Alonso, the face of the New York Mets, has made one thing clear—his heart is in Queens, but his future depends on one factor: the business. While Mets fans dream of seeing the Polar Bear finish his career where it started, Alonso himself has opened up about what could stand in the way of that storybook ending.

With a blistering 2025 campaign underway, the slugger is not only making a strong case for National League MVP, but also reigniting conversations about his long-term future in the Big Apple. And based on his recent comments, only the business side of baseball might keep him from retiring a Met.

Let’s take a closer look at Alonso’s stellar season, his contract status, and what it would take to see him become a one-franchise legend in New York.

Alonso’s 2025 MVP-Caliber Performance Is Turning Heads

It’s no secret that Pete Alonso is having one of the best seasons of his career. Through mid-June, he’s hitting .295 with a .974 OPS, alongside 17 home runs and 63 RBIs. More than just numbers, Alonso has been a consistent offensive engine for a Mets team that’s pushing hard in the National League East.

His powerful bat in the middle of the lineup continues to produce clutch moments, long home runs, and much-needed leadership on and off the field. The timing of his performance is particularly important considering the short-term nature of his current deal.

Re-Signing Alonso Was a Smart Short-Term Move for the Mets

After a somewhat dramatic offseason where it looked increasingly likely that Alonso might leave the Mets, the team ultimately re-signed him to a two-year, $54 million contract. The agreement gave the Mets some breathing room and Alonso the opportunity to prove his worth—something he’s doing emphatically in 2025.

But perhaps the most notable aspect of the deal is that it includes a player opt-out after the 2025 season. Given Alonso’s elite performance this year, he’s all but certain to exercise that clause, making him a free agent once again this winter—unless the Mets and Alonso can strike another deal.

Pete Alonso Speaks on Retiring with the Mets

In an interview with the New York Post, Pete Alonso addressed the possibility of retiring with the Mets, saying:

“That could be awesome. It’s really rare for a guy to spend his whole career with one team — I mean, I’ve thought about it, for sure,” Alonso said. “But the business side of things has to work out for that. I love playing here. It’s awesome. I hope that the business side works out to be that way.”

This candid admission shows how much Alonso values his time in New York and how deeply he understands the nature of professional sports. He didn’t shy away from expressing a desire to stay, but he was also clear that money, length, and team direction will be decisive factors.

“I hope that the business side works out to where I don’t have to [leave],” Alonso added.

The Business Side: What Could Go Wrong?

The reality is that baseball is a business, and Pete Alonso knows that better than anyone. A long-term extension would require agreement not only on the number of years but also on annual salary, incentives, and the overall team direction.

While Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown a willingness to spend, recent offseason moves suggest the team is trying to build more strategically rather than splashing out endlessly on superstar contracts. That means any new deal for Alonso would have to fit into the club’s long-term vision, which could include cost-cutting or youth development in the coming years.

The Mets may hesitate to offer Alonso a massive long-term deal in his age-30+ seasons, even though his production remains elite. That tension—balancing loyalty with financial prudence—could ultimately decide Alonso’s future.

Why the Mets Should Do Everything to Keep Him

Keeping Pete Alonso in Queens for the rest of his career wouldn’t just be a sentimental move—it would be a smart one from both a branding and performance standpoint.

Alonso is on pace to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader, a milestone that could solidify his legacy in New York sports history. He already holds the franchise single-season HR record with 53 in his rookie season, and with each bomb he launches into Citi Field’s left-field stands, he further cements himself as a generational power hitter.

He’s also become a fan favorite, known for his passion, clubhouse leadership, and genuine connection to the community. From hosting youth baseball camps to appearing in post-game interviews with emotion and honesty, Alonso represents everything a franchise could want in a cornerstone player.

Letting him walk—especially with no clear internal replacement—would be a massive risk.

Alonso’s Historic Trajectory Is Worth Watching

Alonso’s home run totals and run production place him in elite company. Should he stay healthy and remain a Met, he could finish his career among the all-time MLB leaders in home runs, slugging percentage, and RBIs.

Here’s what he’s accomplished so far:

• First Met to hit 50+ home runs in a season

• Most home runs in a rookie season in MLB history (53)

• Multiple All-Star selections

• Home Run Derby champion

If he stays in New York and continues this pace, he could break records set by legends like Darryl Strawberry, Mike Piazza, and David Wright—cementing him as perhaps the greatest offensive player in Mets history.

What Could Convince Alonso to Stay?

So, what would it take to ensure Pete Alonso retires in a Mets uniform?

1. A Long-Term Deal (6+ Years): Alonso will likely seek security into his mid-to-late 30s, similar to what Freddie Freeman received from the Dodgers.

2. Competitive Roster Commitment: Alonso wants to win, and he’ll want assurance that the Mets are serious contenders in the years to come.

3. Market Value Compensation: With the way he’s performing, Alonso may command $30M+ per year on the open market. The Mets would need to match or exceed that figure.

4. No-Trade Clause or Player Options: To show mutual commitment, expect Alonso’s camp to ask for some form of control over his future, should he sign long term.

Is There Interest from Other Teams? Absolutely.

If Alonso becomes a free agent, there will be no shortage of suitors. Big-market teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox could use a power bat and a clubhouse leader like Alonso. Even the Yankees might be tempted, given the right circumstances.

But it’s not just the money. Alonso would have to believe another team offers a better shot at winning and a better environment—which won’t be easy to top, considering his deep ties to New York and the Mets organization.

Mets Fans: Hopeful, But Anxious

Across social media and in stadium seats, Mets fans have been vocal about wanting Alonso to stay. Many believe he should be a “Met for life,” and his popularity continues to soar with every home run he hits.

However, there’s also concern. Fans have watched too many franchise icons leave—Tom Seaver, David Cone, Jose Reyes, and even Jacob deGrom. They know the business side doesn’t always align with loyalty or sentiment.

Conclusion: The Ball Is in the Mets’ Court

Pete Alonso has made his stance clear—he wants to stay, but not at any cost. It’s now up to the Mets to decide if they will commit to a long-term future with their biggest star.

If they do, Alonso could become the Derek Jeter of Queens, a one-team icon whose legacy defines an era.

If they don’t, they risk not just losing a bat—but the beating heart of their team.

The business side might be the only thing standing between Pete Alonso and an all-time legacy in New York.

The clock is ticking—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.