Mets Star Pete Alonso Likely Heading To Free Agency But Could Return To New York

It sounds like the Mets could still end up signing the superstar

The New York Mets will have to hand out a massive contract if they want to keep superstar slugger Pete Alonso.

Alonso has developed not only into a fan-favorite in New York but also one of the best sluggers in all of baseball. 

The 29-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 campaign and it doesn't sound like there is going to be a contract extension ahead of that. There has been plenty of speculation about the possibility of an extension, but it doesn't sound like it's going to happen. That doesn't mean that Alonso won't remain with the Mets for the foreseeable future, though, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"Don’t hold your breath for one of those increasingly rare spring mega-signings involving Pete Alonso," Heyman said. "He is almost surely headed to free agency after the 2024 season. That doesn’t mean he’s a goner. He just likely prefers to keep his options open."

Alonso is a three-time All-Star and has led the National League in both home runs and RBIs at different times throughout his five-year big league career. He shined with New York last season and clubbed 46 home runs and drove in 118 runs in 154 games played.

Losing someone like Alonso would be devastating on the field for the Mets, but also would be a public relations nightmare. He is a homegrown star and is a major part of the club. 

Players of his caliber earn large contracts. Alonso will be no different. The only question right now is whether New York is willing to pay the price.