The New York Mets have sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball by signing superstar Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal. While this landmark move cements the Mets’ commitment to chasing a World Series title, it also raises questions about the team’s financial flexibility to address other key roster needs—most notably at first base.
Enter Pete Alonso, the Mets’ long-time slugger and fan favorite, who is now a free agent. Despite concerns that Soto’s record-breaking contract might make a reunion with Alonso impossible, Mets president David Stearns hinted on Monday that bringing Alonso back is still very much on the table.
Stearns Leaves the Door Open
Speaking at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, Stearns addressed the possibility of Alonso’s return. While he couldn’t officially comment on the Soto deal, his remarks on Alonso were telling:
“We’d love to bring Pete back. I think our ownership has consistently demonstrated that there’s going to be resources when we need them.”
This statement could be interpreted as a diplomatic way to keep Alonso in the fold without fully committing to a competitive bid. However, under the ownership of billionaire Steve Cohen—who has shown an unprecedented willingness to spend—the possibility of re-signing Alonso seems more realistic than initially believed.
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The Case for Alonso
Alonso has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ offense since his MLB debut in 2019. In the 2024 season, he slashed .274/.355/.543 with 42 home runs and 115 RBIs, proving he remains one of the league’s premier power hitters. Losing him would create a significant hole in the Mets’ lineup, even with Soto’s addition.
Moreover, finding a replacement for Alonso wouldn’t be easy. Options like Christian Walker or a trade for Nolan Arenado or Alex Bregman—with Mark Vientos shifting to first base—might be viable, but none provide the same power, consistency, and fan appeal as Alonso.
Financial Flexibility
Critics argue that the Soto contract has drained the Mets’ resources. But Cohen, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion, has already proven his willingness to push payroll boundaries. The Mets’ all-in approach for 2025 and beyond makes retaining Alonso a logical move to maximize their championship window.
While Alonso could command a deal in the range of 6-7 years for $180-$200 million, his average annual value (AAV) would likely be lower than Soto’s or other recent megadeals. This could make re-signing him more feasible, especially if Alonso values staying with a title contender and considers a slight hometown discount.
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