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The New York Mets ended up signing Pete Alonso last winter, but his deal does not tie him to the team past this season. Alonso could hit free agency again next winter.
Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million deal to stay with the Mets after a long free agency. However, his deal includes an opt-out after this season. Alonso is hitting .294 with a .944 OPS and nine home runs. His average is shockingly high, and he is setting himself up to look for a big contract in free agency again. The Athletic's Jim Bowden suggests the Philadelphia Phillies could sign him away from the Mets if he opts out.
"He likely will opt out and get the long-term contract he sought last offseason before returning to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal. If he doesn’t stay in New York, Alonso would be a fit with several teams including the Phillies (Bryce Harper would seem willing to move back to the outfield for him)," wrote Bowden.
Losing Alonso would sting the Mets regardless of where he signs. However, him signing with their division rival would lead plenty of boos in his first trip back to Queens. The Phillies are currently leading the National League East and are looking like they will be in a tight race with the Mets all year.
Alonso has hit more home runs than anyone in the National League since he made his debut in 2019. Only Aaron Judge has hit more home runs than him in that span. He is a four-time All-Star and has 235 career home runs.
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The Phillies are also at risk of losing Kyle Schwarber as a free agent. Replacing him with Alonso would be an option the team considers. The Mets clearly were not ready to commit to Alonso long-term last winter. Not doing so this year, after a great year, could lead to him finding a long-term deal elsewhere.
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