Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ standout first baseman, is on the verge of making franchise history by nearly matching the team’s all-time home run record. This season, Alonso has climbed to 251 career home runs with the Mets, just one shy of Darryl Strawberry’s longstanding mark of 252. As Alonso chases this milestone, he also faces a pivotal contract decision, with the potential to opt out of his current deal and pursue a lucrative free-agent contract reportedly nearing $200 million.
Background of Alonso’s Free Agency Situation and Comparisons with Peers
The offseason leading up to 2024 highlighted Alonso’s complicated position in Major League Baseball’s free agency market. Despite ranking third in home runs among players within their first six MLB seasons, Alonso saw unexpectedly limited interest during free agency. In contrast, other high-profile first basemen secured substantial contracts: Christian Walker signed a $60 million, three-year deal with the Houston Astros after departing the Arizona Diamondbacks, Paul Goldschmidt accepted a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the New York Yankees following his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Carlos Santana agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians after his tenure with the Minnesota Twins.
Alonso, known by his nickname “Polar Bear” for his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame, reportedly declined a Mets offer worth seven years and $158 million. Speculation suggested he was seeking a contract in the $200 million range, adding to the offseason intrigue around his next move.
Details of Alonso’s Re-Signing and Opt-Out Clause
Eventually, Alonso re-signed with the Mets on a two-year contract worth $54 million, which includes a player option to opt out before the 2026 season. Recent reports indicate that Alonso is seriously considering exercising this opt-out clause after the 2024 campaign. This decision could enable him to re-enter free agency and pursue a larger contract aligned with his expectations.
On a significant day aligned with a matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, Alonso hit his 25th home run of the season, marking the 251st of his Mets career. This achievement puts him on the brink of surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s record, who was an eight-time All-Star and the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year.
Alonso’s Drive Toward a Historic Milestone
Alonso is anticipated to equal or break the Mets’ franchise home run record within the next few games. Since signing his current deal, Alonso has referred to it as a “bridge” contract leading to the next stage of his career.
“As he approaches Strawberry’s record, Polar Bear Pete is concurrently nearing another career inflection point.”
—Excerpt from recent analysis
While this record-setting moment would solidify Alonso’s place as the Mets’ all-time home run leader, it also raises questions about his future with the team. If he exercises his opt-out clause after reaching the milestone, he may depart the Mets to pursue the high-value contract he targeted during last winter’s free agency period.
Current Season Performance and Statistical Overview
This season, Alonso is projected to finish with 36 home runs, which, if it holds, would be his second-lowest full-season total since entering the league. However, his overall offensive metrics remain strong. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) stands at .869, the best he has posted since his rookie year in 2019, when he recorded a .941 OPS. Additionally, Alonso’s on-base percentage is .356 this season, which is just below his career-best .358 from that first year.
Despite some decline in home run pace, these numbers demonstrate that Alonso continues to maintain a high level of productivity at the plate.
Implications for Alonso and the Mets Moving Forward
As Alonso nears the franchise home run record, the coming weeks will be critical for both his legacy and contractual future. Breaking the Mets’ record will underline his status as one of the franchise’s most impactful players, but his potential opt-out after the season could lead to a major shift for the team. Many anticipate Alonso will use this milestone to strengthen his negotiating position and secure the sizable contract he has long sought.
For Mets fans and Major League Baseball observers, Alonso’s developments represent a convergence of historic achievement and high-stakes contract strategy, promising ongoing intrigue and significant ramifications for the franchise.