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6 hours ago
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It's not a surprise, but it's still noteworthy.
On Monday, Pete Alonso opted out of his contract with the New York Mets, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Alonso had the choice of exercising a player option that would've paid him $24 million in 2026.
Instead, he enters free agency.
Alonso had already publicly announced that this was his plan, and it makes sense. He'll get a multi-year deal for at least that much money per year on the open market.
He's coming off a great season, too He led the NL with 41 doubles, slugged 38 homers, batted .272 with an .871 OPS and played pretty much every day.
Alonso isn't a great first baseman at this point, but he is still capable of playing in the field.
MORE: Mets named best free agent fit for Yankees' 30-year old star
Last offseason, Alonso was a free agent and signed this two-year deal he just opted out of, with the lower-value second-year option seeming an unlikely path for him to take.
Once he rebounded with a potent 2025, there was only one way this was going for Alonso.
It seems there's a decent chance the Mets would try to bring him back, but plenty of teams could use a first baseman with a proven bat.
Alonso also has the personality and vibes to become a fan favorite wherever he goes, which is not insignificant, especially if a franchise in a smaller market wants to try and make a splash with a free agent signing.
On the current market, Alonso will be one of the best power bats available, and he'll likely get paid accordingly.
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