Mets expected to ditch $45 million fan-favorites who combined for 50 HRs and 180 RBIs in 2025

New York Mets ownership is expected to rock the boat this offseason drastically, parting ways with two long-time fan-favorites who have been backbones of the lineup since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

OnSI’s Pat Ragazzo heard from his sources that the Mets could be putting Jeff McNeil on the trade block and letting Pete Alonso walk in free agency, with no interest in matching the hefty price the “Polar Bear” is asking for.

“According to a rival NL scout, the Mets recognize that their clubhouse is in need of a culture shift following last season's slow collapse. The expectation is that the Mets will float utility man Jeff McNeil on the trade market and let franchise cornerstone first baseman Pete Alonso walk in free agency unless he takes a team friendly deal,” Ragazzo wrote.

“McNeil, 33, has one-year, $15.75 million left on his contract and is coming off a solid campaign, where he slashed .243/.335/.411 with a .746 OPS in 122 games. He also has a club option attached to him for the 2027 season at $15.75 million as well. This wouldn't be the first time that the Mets discussed a trade of McNeil, who can play second base and all three outfield spots.

“As for Alonso, the Mets' all-time leader in home runs, he endured a major bounce-back in 2025, slugging 38 long balls, batting .272, posting a .871 OPS and producing a 141 wRC+ in 162 games. Without having the qualifying offer attached to him, Alonso will likely get paid handsomely in free agency and it remains to be seen whether the Mets are comfortable giving the soon-to-be 31-year-old first baseman a long-term deal.”

Mark Vientos could slide into the starting first baseman role in Flushing if/when Alonso leaves Queens to find that gaudy payday. Ragazzo also reports pursuing New York Yankees 1B/OF Cody Bellinger is in play. A second consecutive offseason stealing a desired Yankees target would do plenty for the Mets’ bid to become New York’s premier team.

If the gap between Bellinger and Alonso’s prices is vast enough, it wouldn’t inspire anger. Mets fans would not be happy to see Alonso sign elsewhere if the front office overpays on Bellinger to spite the Yankees again.

David Stearns’ mind is probably already made up on Alonso. We’ll see if the Bellinger rumor has any legs.