New York Mets’ slugging first baseman Pete Alonso is easily a top-five free agent signing this offseason. As a lifelong Met, it’s heartburn-inducing to consider he might not be back in 2025 as he enters free agency. Alonso has been that “missing piece” for the Mets – a power hitter, a great infielder, and a significant character. He’s pulled at the heartstrings of Met fans since his debut in 2019.

Pete Alonso has his sights set on a multi-year contract with a value of likely over $175 million. Having put up a career .249 AVG / .339 OBP / .853 OPS with 226 HR – it’s clear that if the Mets’ front office won’t give that to him, another team likely will.

Of the worst possible landing spots for Alonso (for Mets fans), a couple stand out as a heartbreaking scenario.

Anyone Else

To be clear – any team outside of Queens signing Pete Alonso this season would be a nightmare situation for the Mets. He’s had an outstanding career thus far, and fits the bill for all the things they’d be looking for without him. The unspoken pipeline of “Leaving Queens to win a World Series elsewhere” just can’t happen for a homegrown Met with the only other club, and would haunt Met fans well into Pete’s eventual retirement. 

1. New York Yankees 

Need: 1B / Replacement in lineup if Soto signs elsewhere*

This one (unfortunately) is obvious. Alonso going across town to play in the Bronx is something these hearts just can’t bear. On the upside, it’s not likely the Yankees could afford both Alonso and superstar free agent Juan Soto – so this would likely send the outfielder to Queens. Alonso would certainly thrive given the short porch; there’s a vacancy at first base after the club declined Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 option; and it’s not like Gerrit Cole can step in to cover the bag if needed. Even though the Yankees could certainly benefit from Alonso as an addition to their infield and lineup; this is a Mets’ article, and it’d crush too many spirits.

2. Chicago Cubs

Need: 1B 

With news of Chicago slugger Cody Bellinger opting in for 2025 with the Cubs, it’s far less likely for Alonso to sign given the contract he’d be leaving the Mets for. However, they have been in the market for a first baseman for some time now. In the event Pete is pursued by the Cubs’ front office, it’d be a nightmare to have to face him (and Bellinger) that frequent as NL matchups. Leaving the Mets is bad enough, he just can’t play for another National League team.

3. Washington Nationals

Need: 1B / Overall Rebuilding

With first baseman Joey Gallo and backup first baseman Joey Maneses headed for free agency, the evident gaps in the lineup, and spots in the infield, will require the Nationals to sign aggressively this offseason. Now free agent Juan Soto (famously) declined a 15-year, $440 million contract offer in 2022 from the Nationals, so it looks like they’ve got money to spend. He deserves the building around him as a key guy, and that is the Nats’ objective this offseason. As previously stated, he can’t play for another National League team – especially not in the NL East. 

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Given Pete Alonso’s deep and outward love of the Mets’ organization, it’s very unlikely he leaves Queens. For the Mets, the extended-contract/high-value is only reserved for a few – seemingly, every other intention is a short-term deal.

Even with sights set on adding superstar starting pitchers, bullpen arms, and generational-talent Juan Soto, the Cohen/Stearns duo have deep pockets – and are gunning for a World Series win. As their #1 guy, Pete Alonso deserves to win that with the New York Mets.