Mets Shock: Is Pete Alonso Preparing to Move to the NL Central?

Pete Alonso, the slugging first baseman of the New York Mets, has long been one of the most recognizable and consistent stars in Major League Baseball. Known for his power at the plate, Alonso has been a central figure in the Mets’ lineup for years. Yet, despite his value on the field, he continues to be the subject of trade rumors, contract drama, and speculation about his long-term future with the franchise.

This season is no different. While Alonso is once again performing at an elite level, the possibility of a mid-season blockbuster trade is beginning to take shape—and one of the most unexpected landing spots? The Chicago Cubs.

Alonso’s Contract Saga: A Temporary Truce?

Following a tense offseason in which Alonso and the Mets engaged in extensive back-and-forth negotiations, the two sides ultimately agreed on a two-year, $54 million deal to keep him in Queens. At various points, the situation looked uncertain, with analysts and insiders openly speculating that Alonso could be heading elsewhere via trade or free agency.

While the deal ensured Alonso’s short-term return to the Big Apple, it did little to silence speculation about his long-term future. The structure of the contract gives Alonso the option to opt out after this season, creating another layer of uncertainty for the Mets.

Alonso’s Continued Dominance at the Plate

Despite the noise surrounding his contract, Pete Alonso has continued to deliver MVP-caliber production. In 2025, he earned his fourth consecutive All-Star selection, and he’s on pace once again to hit 30+ home runs and tally 100+ RBIs—a feat he’s achieved multiple times already in his career.

His power numbers and clutch hitting have made him indispensable for the Mets as they chase a playoff berth and, potentially, their first World Series title since 1986. Alonso remains not just a fan favorite but also a foundational piece of the Mets’ offense.

Chicago Cubs: An NL Contender With Big Ambitions

Meanwhile, in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs have emerged as one of the season’s most pleasant surprises. With only a few months left in the regular season, the Cubs currently sit with the second-best record in the NL, and look poised to make a legitimate run at the 2025 World Series.

What makes the Cubs even more intriguing is their aggressiveness at the trade deadline. Although the consensus expectation has been for them to add a starting pitcher, Matt Levine of TWSN has stirred the pot with a bold prediction: that the Cubs will trade for Pete Alonso to supercharge their postseason push.

The Case for a Cubs-Alonso Deal

In his article, Levine argues that acquiring Alonso could make the Cubs “a team that nobody wanted to deal with” in the playoffs. He suggests that the franchise has been searching for a legitimate championship contender for years and now sees an opportunity to lock in a long-term offensive core that could include both Alonso and Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker, another star potentially available next winter.

Alonso would instantly bolster the Cubs’ middle of the order and bring postseason experience and leadership to a relatively young roster. The idea is ambitious, but given the Cubs’ current trajectory, it may not be outlandish.

Why Would the Mets Trade Pete Alonso Now?

The argument in favor of the Mets trading Alonso hinges on one simple fact: he may opt out of his contract at the end of the season. If Alonso were to leave in free agency, the Mets risk getting nothing in return for one of their best players.

This possibility has made some insiders suggest that trading him now—while his value is high—would be a savvy, forward-thinking move. The logic is that the team could replenish their farm system with premium prospects while still making moves to stay competitive in the short term.

But Would It Be Worth the Risk?

However, this hypothetical must be weighed against reality. The Mets are firmly in win-now mode, and everything they’ve done leading up to the trade deadline supports that.

Already, they’ve dealt away multiple prospects to shore up their bullpen—trading for Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals and Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants. These are the kinds of moves a team makes when it’s gearing up for a deep playoff run, not preparing to offload their top slugger.

From the Mets’ point of view, trading Pete Alonso mid-season would send the wrong message to the clubhouse and the fans. It would be a signal that the organization is more concerned with future uncertainties than seizing the present opportunity.

What Are the Odds This Trade Actually Happens?

While Levine’s prediction is compelling and supported by some logical points, the likelihood of an in-season trade involving Pete Alonso remains slim—for now. The Mets are in playoff contention, Alonso is performing at an elite level, and removing him from the lineup would be a massive disruption.

However, if the Mets’ postseason hopes begin to fade, and if they believe Alonso will opt out regardless of the team’s performance, trade talks could heat up quickly.

The Cubs, with a strong farm system and a clear window to win, could be aggressive in their pursuit. But it would take a blockbuster package—possibly including multiple top-100 prospects—for the Mets to even consider letting Alonso go before the offseason.

Alonso’s Mindset: Win Now, Deal With Later

For Pete Alonso, the focus is clear: win the World Series in 2025. He’s said as much in interviews and has continued to lead by example on the field. Whether it’s in New York or another NL contender, his sights are set on a championship—and his bat is doing the talking.

The front office, fans, and Alonso himself all know what’s at stake. A deep playoff run could convince Alonso to stay in New York for the long haul. Conversely, a disappointing season could open the door for a new chapter in his career—maybe even in Wrigley Field.

Conclusion: Pete Alonso’s Future Still Hangs in the Balance

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the spotlight is once again on Pete Alonso. While the Mets are building toward a title run, whispers of a blockbuster move to the Chicago Cubs add intrigue to an already fascinating season.

Will the Mets stick to their win-now strategy, or will they make the difficult decision to move their star slugger for a future return? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—Pete Alonso’s future is one of the most compelling storylines in baseball today.