From breaking the rookie home run record to becoming the Mets’ all-time home run leader, Pete Alonso has been the face of the franchise for the past seven years.
The Case for and against the Mets Paying Pete Alonso
On August 13, he delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent Mets history, a curtain-call homer against the Braves that pushed him past Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record.
That was the moment every Mets fan knew: Pete Alonso had to be a Met for life.
But baseball is a business. Alonso hit free agency this past offseason, reportedly seeking a deal worth around $200 million, just a year after turning down a seven-year, $158 million extension that would’ve kept him in Queens through his early 30s.
Now, the Mets face a familiar question. Should they commit long-term to Alonso, a 30-year-old slugger with elite power but defensive concerns? In this piece, we’ll explore three potential paths New York could take as it evaluates their first base future.
Option One: Pay Pete
Sometimes, it’s worth swallowing your pride to keep a fan favorite. The financial side may not make perfect sense, but it’s rare to have a homegrown star who genuinely wants to be a Met for life. Alonso has done exactly what you’d want from a cornerstone first baseman: deliver elite, consistent power.
The 30-year-old has hit 264 total home runs, the third-most through seven seasons in MLB history, and third in homers across the league since 2019.
The issue? His glove. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has repeatedly emphasized defense and run prevention as a team focus. Would that philosophy mean moving on from Alonso?
Bottom line: Pete deserves to be paid. Signing him isn’t just about baseball; it’s about loyalty, identity, and rewarding a restless fanbase that’s stood by through the ups and downs. One day, No. 20 could hang in the rafters at Citi Field. Keeping him in Queens would make that day even sweeter.
Option Two: Explore Free Agency
The Mets could always test the market. Last offseason, Alonso and Christian Walker headlined the first base class. This time around, the options are thinner.
One intriguing name is Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger who’s dominated Nippon Professional Baseball for eight seasons, crushing 265 home runs with a .273 average and 722 RBIs. His power is undeniable, but translating that success to the majors is never guaranteed. Still, expect the Mets to monitor his posting situation closely.
Another possibility is Josh Naylor, who’s brought energy and production to the Mariners since being acquired at the deadline. At 28, Naylor would be a younger, cheaper option — and a more reliable defender than Alonso.
Option Three: Look Within
Then there’s the least popular route — replacing Alonso from within.
The Mets could look to Mark Vientos, who’s seen limited action at first base (14 career games) but has yet to establish himself as a consistent major league hitter (.239 career average). Another possibility is Ryan Clifford or Jacob Reimer, two rising prospects who could get long looks in spring training.
The team could also shuffle the infield by pairing Vientos at first and Brett Baty at second, though that approach comes with defensive risks.
Realistically, it’s unlikely the Mets will go into 2026 without a proven first baseman, whether that’s Alonso or a new face. But as free agency looms and the roster takes shape, one thing is clear: the decision at first base will define the next era of Mets baseball.
Main Photo Credits: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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