Alonso’s Peak Attraction This Season: Will the Mets be able to keep this gem?

As the 2025 MLB season rages on, few storylines are as emotionally and strategically charged as the future of Pete Alonso with the New York Mets. The star first baseman, affectionately known as “The Polar Bear,” is having one of the most compelling seasons of his career—right when it matters most.

With the Mets in a state of transition, and Alonso holding a player opt-out at the end of the season, fans are left wondering: Can the Mets afford to lose their franchise cornerstone? Or are they prepared to pay what it takes to keep him?

Pete Alonso Is Back to His Best

After a somewhat turbulent 2024 campaign, Pete Alonso has re-emerged in 2025 as the heart and soul of the Mets’ offense. With his signature blend of raw power, clutch hitting, and unshakable intensity, Alonso is once again among the league’s premier sluggers.

At the halfway mark of the season, Alonso boasts:

• .278 batting average

• 23 home runs

• 64 RBIs

• An OPS north of .900

His presence in the lineup has been vital in keeping the Mets competitive despite numerous challenges, including a reshuffling of the pitching rotation and questions about long-term direction under President of Baseball Operations David Stearns.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Alonso’s leadership and charisma make him irreplaceable in the clubhouse. He has become a fan favorite not just in New York, but across the league—a player whose energy lifts the entire roster.

The Contract Situation: What’s at Stake?

The Mets and Alonso agreed to a two-year, $54 million deal before the 2025 season, including a player opt-out clause after this year. That gives Alonso tremendous leverage.

If he opts out—and all signs suggest he will—he’ll become one of the most sought-after free agents in baseball. And with Scott Boras as his agent, a mega-deal exceeding $200 million is likely on the table.

The Mets, on the other hand, must decide if they’re willing to commit that kind of money, particularly after a 2024 season in which they began to pivot toward younger, cheaper talent. The question lingers:

Will Steve Cohen pay premium money to keep Alonso, or does the front office let him walk for flexibility?

Why Alonso Matters More Than Ever to the Mets

At a time when franchises across the league are prioritizing analytics, cost control, and flexibility, players like Pete Alonso are becoming rare commodities—homegrown stars who thrive under pressure and represent the face of a franchise.

Beyond his stats, Alonso is:

• A proven postseason performer

• A locker room leader

• A durable player, averaging over 150 games per year

• A brand ambassador, constantly interacting with fans and media

In an era where fan loyalty is tested by constant trades and roster shuffling, Alonso is a rock. Losing him would not only hurt the team’s performance—it would risk alienating a fanbase still yearning for a championship.

The Fans Have Spoken: Alonso Must Stay

No matter where you look—Twitter, talk radio, Citi Field itself—the sentiment is the same:

Pete Alonso is the identity of the Mets, and letting him go would be a colossal mistake.

In the age of player movement and loyalty erosion, Alonso has stuck with the Mets through thick and thin. He endured the Wilpon years. He celebrated Steve Cohen’s takeover. He never complained through rebuilding phases, managerial changes, and injury-laden seasons.

Letting him go would be akin to the Cardinals losing Pujols or the Rockies losing Arenado—a wound that doesn’t heal easily.

What Are the Mets Thinking?

Reports from insiders suggest the Mets are internally divided on how to approach Alonso’s future. While owner Steve Cohen has expressed a desire to keep Alonso long-term, President David Stearns is known for his measured, analytics-based approach from his time in Milwaukee.

From a financial standpoint, the Mets could afford to sign Alonso and still build a competitive roster. But it’s a question of philosophy, not just money.

• Do the Mets value Alonso’s leadership and fan appeal enough to pay a premium?

• Or do they prioritize flexibility, trade value, and youth over sentiment?

This crossroads could define the franchise for the next five years.

Would Other Teams Pay Top Dollar for Alonso?

Absolutely.

If Pete Alonso hits the open market, expect a feeding frenzy. Teams like:

• The Chicago Cubs

• The San Francisco Giants

• The Seattle Mariners

• The Boston Red Sox

• The Los Angeles Angels

…could all be in the mix. These are clubs that have the money, need a middle-of-the-order bat, and value established star power.

And for some teams, the mere idea of stealing Alonso from the Mets—a franchise that should be keeping its stars—could be worth the cost.

What Would Losing Alonso Signal About the Mets?

Losing Pete Alonso wouldn’t just be a loss on the field—it would be a signal to the league and fans that the Mets are, once again, in flux.

After years of Cohen preaching about winning at all costs, letting Alonso walk would undermine that narrative and potentially send the team into another multi-year rebuild.

That could affect:

• Fan engagement

• Ticket sales

• Free-agent appeal

It would also undermine the growth of young stars like Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty, who benefit immensely from Alonso’s mentorship.

Is a Midseason Extension Still Possible?

It’s not impossible.

In recent weeks, insiders have noted that the Mets and Alonso’s camp have resumed light discussions about a possible extension. While Boras clients typically test the market, Alonso has stated:

“I love it here. I want to be a Met for life. But business is business.”

The Mets would likely need to offer a 7- to 9-year deal in the $180–220 million range to get it done early. That’s steep—but perhaps worth it.

Cohen’s Decision: Money, Legacy, and Trust

This is Steve Cohen’s moment.

He’s built a reputation as a no-nonsense owner who cares deeply about the fans and wants to bring a championship to Queens. But actions speak louder than words.

If he allows Alonso to walk, his image as the Mets’ savior could quickly erode. If he keeps Alonso, he further solidifies his standing as a baseball boss who does things differently—and who understands that some players are bigger than spreadsheets.

Final Thoughts: Pete Alonso Is a Gem the Mets Must Not Lose

In every franchise’s history, there are decisions that come to define eras. For the New York Mets, this is one of those moments.

Pete Alonso isn’t just a home run machine. He’s the face of the franchise.

Letting him walk would not only hurt the Mets in 2026 and beyond, but it would also send a chilling message to the fanbase. The kind of message that can take years to undo.

For once, the decision should be easy. Pay the man. Build around him. And give Mets fans the championship core they deserve.

Because if Pete Alonso walks, it won’t just be a transaction. It will be a heartbreak.