Pete Alonso Treated Harshly? Experts Call It ‘A Complete Failure’ of the Mets!

Pete Alonso is once again proving why he’s one of the most valuable sluggers in Major League Baseball. With his stellar 2025 season, the New York Mets‘ failure to offer him a long-term deal last offseason is being seen as a monumental miscalculation. According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, the Mets’ handling of Alonso’s contract situation was not only misguided but ranks among MLB’s “10 Biggest Fails of the 2025 Season.”

After settling for a two-year, $54 million deal with a player opt-out after 2025, Alonso has roared back into MVP-level form. Heading into the Mets’ June 27 matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Alonso boasts a .292 batting average, a .933 OPS, 18 home runs, and 65 RBIs. Simply put, Alonso isn’t just back—he’s better than ever.

Yet for all his production, questions still swirl about whether Alonso will stay in Queens beyond this season. And it all traces back to what some are now calling the “offseason disrespect” from both the Mets and the rest of the league.

The Contract: Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Risk

The Mets’ decision to avoid offering Alonso a long-term deal was originally seen as a cautious approach to a player coming off a “down year.” In 2024, Alonso’s .788 OPS was a career low, though he still mashed 34 home runs and drove in 88 runs. Add in his postseason heroics, and it was clear the power was still there.

But the Mets hedged their bets, settling for a two-year contract that allows Alonso to opt out after just one season. While it appeared shrewd at the time, the 2025 season has completely shifted the narrative.

Now, Alonso is in a position of maximum leverage. Should he choose to test free agency this winter—as most expect—he will likely command a lucrative, long-term contract from a team more willing to respect his resume.

Bleacher Report Blasts Teams for Overlooking Alonso

Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly pulled no punches in his June 27 column. Alonso’s omission from the top of free agency boards last winter was, in his view, a massive misfire by multiple teams.

“If you were one of the many teams that had a need at first base and didn’t show serious interest in Pete Alonso this past offseason, there’s egg on your face,” Kelly wrote. “The idea that Alonso wasn’t worth a five-year deal is laughable now.”

Indeed, there were several franchises—the Cubs, Giants, Mariners, and even Red Sox—that needed power-hitting first basemen. Yet none of them showed significant public interest in Alonso. As a result, the Mets re-signed him on a relatively team-friendly deal, but one that now appears to be short-sighted and risky.

Alonso’s 2025 Season: MVP Caliber Numbers

Alonso’s bounce-back campaign isn’t just good—it’s elite.

• Batting Average: .292

• OPS: .933

• Home Runs: 18

• RBIs: 65

• Slugging %: .570

• WAR: 3.6 (as of late June)

He’s top five in the National League in RBIs and home runs, and his plate discipline has significantly improved. He’s drawing more walks and swinging at fewer pitches outside the zone.

Beyond stats, Alonso’s leadership and energy have become irreplaceable. His presence in the clubhouse, his connection with fans, and his ability to perform in clutch moments all make him a franchise cornerstone—one the Mets cannot afford to lose again.

Was Alonso Truly Disrespected? Many Think So

To call it “disrespect” may sound dramatic, but several insiders and former players have echoed the sentiment. On MLB Network, analyst Carlos Peña said:

“You’ve got a guy who’s hit more home runs than anyone since he entered the league, and you don’t even offer him security? That’s not just business—that’s disrespect.”

Even Mets fans were bewildered. Social media exploded with criticism when it was revealed the club wouldn’t commit to a longer contract. At the time, General Manager David Stearns defended the decision, saying the team wanted to “retain flexibility.” But in hindsight, the team’s flexibility may have come at the cost of Alonso’s loyalty.

Why Didn’t Other Teams Step Up?

One of the biggest mysteries of the 2024-25 offseason was why no other teams aggressively pursued Alonso. Part of it stemmed from a perception that he would only re-sign with New York, while others pointed to his slightly down 2024.

But the numbers told a different story. Even in a “down year,” Alonso was one of just six MLB players to hit over 30 home runs and drive in more than 85 runs. The market’s coldness toward him revealed a blind spot in modern front office evaluations, where analytics sometimes overshadow common sense.

Tim Kelly’s article hints at this miscalculation:

“Yes, he had a lower OPS. But that power doesn’t just disappear. And the fact that he’s doing this now? It should make front offices rethink everything.”

What Happens If Alonso Opts Out?

When Pete Alonso opts out after 2025, it will set off a massive bidding war.

The Mets will be one of many teams trying to retain him, but they will no longer have the hometown discount. Several franchises—the Yankees, Angels, Astros, and maybe even the Blue Jays—are expected to enter the fray.

Alonso’s love for the Mets has been well-documented, but he wants to feel valued. Unless the front office steps up with a major extension offer, the star slugger could very well walk away.

The Mets Still Have Time, But Not Much

The good news? It’s not too late for the Mets to make things right.

With Alonso performing at an elite level and the team still in playoff contention, the Mets could approach him with a five- or six-year deal before the end of the season. Doing so would not only show faith in his future but also correct a mistake they nearly made permanent.

Yet waiting could prove fatal. If Alonso enters free agency, there’s a good chance he’ll be lured by bigger offers, cleaner situations, or simply a desire for a fresh start.

Alonso’s Legacy and His Importance to New York

If Alonso were to leave the Mets, it would be more than just losing a slugger. It would be losing the face of the franchise. Since his rookie year in 2019, Alonso has:

• Hit more than 230 career home runs

• Driven in over 600 runs

• Made three All-Star appearances

• Become a fan favorite and leader on and off the field

His place in Mets history is already cemented—but whether he’ll continue to build that legacy in Queens is now in serious doubt.

Final Thoughts: Was It a Mistake? Absolutely

Looking at it now, the Mets’ failure to offer Pete Alonso a long-term contract will go down as one of the most avoidable mistakes in recent MLB memory. If Alonso leaves after 2025, the franchise will have no one to blame but themselves.

He’s proven the critics wrong. He’s silenced the doubters. And most of all, he’s reminded everyone that elite power hitters don’t grow on trees.

In a league that so often overthinks simple decisions, the Pete Alonso saga is a cautionary tale: Respect your stars before someone else does.