New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso is expected to enter free agency once again after the 2025 season, opting out of his current two-year, $54 million contract that includes a player option following its first year. Alonso’s potential departure has generated significant speculation, especially given his impactful performance during the ongoing season.
Last winter, Alonso did not secure the long-term deal he hoped for, likely due to concerns about aging power hitters who tend to decline around their early thirties. Despite those reservations, Alonso is having one of the best campaigns of his career, which could substantially improve his bargaining position in the upcoming free agency period.
Uncovered link between Alonso and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner
While the Mets are anticipated to pursue Alonso’s return, the New York Yankees might also have an interest in acquiring him. A noteworthy detail fueling this possibility is Alonso’s shared connection with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. Both men reside in Tampa, Florida, and attended the University of Florida, as highlighted by New York Post <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB insider Jon Heyman in mid-August.
https://t.co/AmwElTCSt9. MLB notes: Jury’s out on Juan Soto’s crosstown move (so far both teams were better when Juan was in the Bronx). But here are two NY stars who hold some interest for the other team in town —Jon Heyman, MLB insider
This geographical and educational link between Alonso and Steinbrenner adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to Alonso’s upcoming free agency decisions, particularly given the local rivalry between the Mets and Yankees.
Practical obstacles to Alonso joining the Yankees despite connections
However, having a connection with Steinbrenner does not necessarily translate into a commitment from the Yankees to pursue Alonso aggressively. The organization‘s primary baseball decisions are driven by General Manager Brian Cashman and financial considerations rather than personal ties.
Moreover, the Yankees have already addressed their first base needs by signing Paul Goldschmidt during the previous offseason. The organization also has 26-year-old Ben Rice, who has enjoyed a breakout season with 17 home runs and a .788 OPS, and is viewed as capable of filling the everyday first base role moving forward into 2026.
What Alonso’s future might mean for New York baseball fans
Given the Yankees’ roster structure and strategic plans, it appears unlikely that Alonso will swap New York teams once he hits the open market. Mets fans, in particular, may find some reassurance in this, as it suggests that Alonso’s potential departure after the 2025 season would probably lead him outside of the Big Apple rather than to their city rivals in the Bronx.
Overall, Alonso’s free agency remains one of baseball’s more compelling storylines as the 2025 campaign concludes, with his performance this season poised to have a significant impact on the contract terms and suitors he attracts. His connection to Steinbrenner adds an unexpected twist but is unlikely to outweigh team needs and roster developments within the Yankees organization.