There is growing speculation that Pete Alonso may leave the New York Mets during this winter’s free agency period, potentially signing with a leading rival, the Philadelphia Phillies. This development arises after a lengthy negotiation period during which the Mets and Alonso agreed on a two-year contract that includes an opt-out clause allowing him to test free agency once more.
Alonso’s Rising Value Despite a Different Season Performance
Although Alonso is not currently hitting home runs as frequently as in past seasons, his overall performance metrics have improved. He is on track to achieve personal bests in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS, while also striking out less often than before. These trends have altered league-wide perceptions, making him an increasingly valuable free agent.
Insight from MLB Expert Highlights Alonso’s Free Agency Outlook
Jim Bowden, a respected MLB insider with The Athletic, recently analyzed the upcoming free agent pool and singled out Alonso’s situation as particularly significant. Bowden pointed out that Alonso ranked fourth in MLB with a .965 OPS entering Tuesday and is expected to use his opt-out clause. He anticipates that Alonso will seek a long-term contract that was not secured in the previous negotiation.
Bowden noted,
“Alonso entered Tuesday ranked fourth in MLB with a .965 OPS. He likely will opt out. And get the long-term contract he sought last offseason before returning to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal,”
adding,
“If he doesn’t stay in New York, Alonso would be a fit with several teams, including the Phillies. Bryce Harper would seem willing to move back to the outfield for him.”
Impact of a Potential Move to Philadelphia on Rivalries and Fans
The possibility of Alonso joining the Phillies strikes a nerve among New York sports enthusiasts, recalling the departure of Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Eagles last year—a move that helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Such transitions deepen rivalries and stir concerns of losing more homegrown talents to friendly rivals.
By agreeing to a short-term deal with Alonso’s opt-out, the Mets risk losing him to a competitive bidding process this offseason. Bowden also highlighted that other teams like the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox could emerge as strong candidates to sign Alonso during free agency, intensifying the market competition.
What This Could Mean for the Mets and MLB Landscape
The uncertainty surrounding Pete Alonso’s future reflects a challenging decision for the Mets organization and a pivotal moment in the MLB offseason. Should Alonso choose to leave, it would not only send shockwaves through Mets fans but also strengthen a division rival that has already seen key additions come from New York teams. The coming months will reveal if Alonso pursues a long-term deal elsewhere or returns to continue building his legacy in Queens.