Mets could lose Pete Alonso to Red Sox after Rafael Devers decision

The New York Mets got Pete Alonso back for a crazy-low price in 2025. The same is highly unlikely to occur in 2026.

After a frustrating free agency, Alonso returned to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million contract with a player option for the second season. Part of the reason for his diminished market was the qualifying offer, which meant any team but the Mets would have had to surrender a draft pick to sign him.

This season, Alonso has had a much stronger start on offense than his 2024 campaign, and he can't be slapped with the qualifying offer this time around. That means his market will likely be a lot more robust, and it's worth beginning to identify potential threats to New York if they want to keep him.

The Boston Red Sox wouldn't have seemed like one of those threats heading into the season, but recent developments could be leading to the American League East power getting involved in the Alonso sweepstakes.

On Wednesday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic named the Red Sox among a list of potential suitors for Alonso, provided that Rafael Devers, the team's long-time third baseman, stays at designated hitter rather than making a move to first base.

"Alonso entered Tuesday ranked fourth in MLB with a .965 OPS. 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," Bowden wrote.

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"If he doesn’t stay in New York, Alonso would be a fit with several teams including the Phillies... Cubs... Rangers and Mariners (both would benefit from his power bat and leadership, as would the Red Sox, particularly if they keep Rafael Devers at DH)."

Devers, 28, voiced his frustrations a couple of weeks ago about the Red Sox's request for him to learn first base after starter Triston Casas tore his patellar tendon. And Casas may not be ready for the start of next season, as injuries are threatening to derail his promising young career.

Though the Red Sox haven't often been willing to spend the kind of money the Mets have under owner Steve Cohen, they're worth watching as a dark horse team to make a strong play for Alonso.

More MLB: Cubs could sign Mets 4-time All-Star if Kyle Tucker leaves Chicago, per insider