Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ longtime slugger and two-time Home Run Derby winner, is set to become a free agent this offseason after choosing to opt out of his current contract, according to a report from SNY.
Following the Mets’ elimination from playoff contention, Alonso spoke about his time in New York with appreciation:
“Playing for this organization and city has been a pleasure,” he said. “I’ve felt supported every day and have really enjoyed wearing the orange and blue. We’ll see what the future holds.”
Alonso, 30, has spent seven seasons with the Mets, becoming the team’s all-time leader in home runs—surpassing club legend Darryl Strawberry. Despite the shortened 2020 season, Alonso has hit at least 34 home runs every year he’s played, including 38 this season, which ranked eighth in MLB. His 126 RBIs were second only to Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.
Last offseason, Alonso tested the free agent waters but ultimately signed a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out option. Now, with that clause activated, he’ll return to the open market—likely in search of a long-term, high-value contract.
The Boston Red Sox have been frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot for Alonso, especially after losing first baseman Triston Casas to a season-ending knee injury in May. Joel Sherman of the New York Post speculated that Boston, after reportedly shedding about $250 million from Rafael Devers’ contract in a trade with the Giants, might look to reinvest in a big bat like Alonso’s to take advantage of Fenway’s Green Monster.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand also listed the Red Sox, Mets, and Giants as possible suitors for the power-hitting first baseman, who is also a five-time All-Star
