Pete Alonso Declares Free Agency Following Strong 2025 Season

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso announced on Sunday that he will exercise his opt-out clause in his two-year, $54 million contract, choosing to enter free agency. This decision comes on the heels of the Mets' disappointing 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins, which eliminated their hopes of securing a playoff spot as a wild card.

With this defeat, the Mets concluded the season with a record of 83-79, finishing a game behind the Cincinnati Reds for the National League’s No. 6 seed. Despite the team's struggles, Alonso showcased a remarkable 2025 season, boasting a .272 batting average and an impressive .871 OPS. Additionally, he hit 38 home runs and drove in 126 runs, marking his return to All-Star status for the fourth consecutive season and the fifth time overall.

Since being drafted by the Mets in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida, Alonso, known as the “Polar Bear,” has made a significant impact on the team. Over his seven-year MLB career, he has accumulated 264 home runs, including a record-setting 53 as a rookie in 2019, and maintains a career OPS of .857. His impressive averages include 42 homers and 115 RBI per 162 games.

Negotiations for a long-term extension in 2023 fell through, after Alonso reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million offer. Subsequently, he entered free agency after the 2024 season. Despite a challenging year where he experienced career lows, hitting .240 with a .788 OPS, Alonso opted for a one-year return to the Mets, likely with the intention of improving his market value this offseason.

Given his outstanding performance in 2025, Alonso's decision to exercise the opt-out clause and seek free agency is not unexpected. The future regarding his next contract remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Alonso is poised to secure a lucrative deal, whether it comes from the Mets or another franchise.