Pete Alonso stepped in front of the mic at Port St. Lucie on the first day of full-squad workouts, looking every bit like a guy who just went through a whirlwind free agency and came out exactly where he wanted to be.
“This is a Really Special Place”
His two-year, $54 million deal with the Mets ended months of speculation about his future. Even with reports of the Toronto Blue Jays nearly scooping up the slugger up until Amazin’ Day, but with such a warm, sentimental view on things now, it seems as though there was never really a doubt he’d hold out for New York until the very end.
“For me, this was it,” Alonso said when asked if he ever seriously considered signing elsewhere.
“This is such a great organization, and there’s such great people here.”
“For me, this was it.”
Pete Alonso was asked if he was ever close to going anywhere except the Mets in free agency: pic.twitter.com/uRvntsDsRs
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 17, 2025
Alonso, Take the Wheel
One of the biggest moments in Pete Alonso’s free agency came when Mets owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns flew to Tampa to meet with him personally. As negotiations reached the final stages, Alonso took control of the process from agent Scott Boras, making it clear that staying in Queens was his priority.
“It’s no secret that David and Steve came down and met with me,” Alonso said. “I respect that so much, and I appreciate that.”
Cohen and Stearns’ visit underscored their commitment to Alonso and their vision for the Mets moving forward. Their willingness to meet face-to-face played a key role in finalizing the two-year, $54 million deal that ensures Alonso remains the centerpiece of the team’s lineup for at least the near future.
Looking Long-term
The Mets, he said, had the best dialogue with him throughout the process, and when it came down to it, staying in Queens just felt right. He called Citi Field “a really special place” and made it clear that he’s thrilled to be back.
“I’m really excited to be back,” Alonso said, emphasizing how much the team and city mean to him. And when asked about a potential long-term deal, he didn’t dodge the question. “That would be fantastic.”
Pete Alonso says it would be “fantastic” to eventually get a long-term deal with the Mets:
“This is such a great organization and there’s such great people here.” pic.twitter.com/Wmw0vNKVCw
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 17, 2025
“Stoked” about Stud Soto
For now, Alonso is focused on 2024 and the immediate future—one that now includes Juan Soto in the lineup. The Mets’ slugger didn’t hide his excitement about sharing a dugout with one of the game’s best hitters.
“He definitely makes us better,” Alonso said. “I’m just really thankful that he ended up with us because it seems like any time you play against Juan Soto, he has a big hit or takes someone up top or makes a game-changing play.”
Pete Alonso says he’s “stoked” to play with Juan Soto:
“He definitely makes us better… I’m just really thankful that he ended up with us because it seems like anytime you play against Juan Soto, he has a big hit or takes someone up top or makes a game-changing play.” pic.twitter.com/kPOQYDhNFC
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 17, 2025
Eyes on Franchise Home-run Record
Alonso knows expectations are high, but that’s nothing new. “This is the big leagues,” he said, acknowledging that pressure comes with the territory.
And while he jokingly claimed he “hasn’t thought of” passing Darryl Strawberry for the franchise home run record, the reality is, it’s very much in reach. The Mets’ core power-hitter has his future in Queens secure for now.
