The New York Mets’ offseason got a major jolt this weekend as star first baseman Pete Alonso announced he is opting out of his contract, entering free agency just a year after re-signing with the team.
The news arrives after a disappointing 2025 season, leaving fans and front-office officials to rethink the team’s next steps.
A Tough Season in Queens
The Mets’ campaign ended in heartbreak after failing to reach the postseason during Juan Soto’s first year in New York.
Alonso, who had initially agreed to a one-year player option worth $24 million for 2026, has decided to test the open market, seeking a more lucrative and long-term deal.
Rumors suggest the Blue Jays and Yankees are among the teams circling the slugger.
Despite the decision, Alonso expressed his gratitude for his time in Queens: “Playing for this organization, this city—they’ve continued to believe in me.
I love playing here. Every single day, it’s been a pleasure coming to work and putting on the orange and blue.
I’ve really appreciated it and have been nothing but full of gratitude every single day.
Nothing is guaranteed, but we’ll see what happens—I’ve loved being a Met. Hopefully, they’ve appreciated me the same.”
Season Highlights and Disappointments
The Mets’ season ended with a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins, completing a late-season collapse that spoiled hopes of a postseason run.
Just weeks earlier, New York looked like a lock for the playoffs, riding high with a 45-24 record and a 5.5-game lead in the NL East.
Juan Soto impressed in his debut season after moving from the Yankees, smashing 43 home runs—ranking seventh in MLB—and driving in 105 RBIs.
However, an eight-game losing streak, including two losses to the Cincinnati Reds, a four-game sweep by the Philadelphia Phillies, and two defeats by the Texas Rangers, left the Mets out of contention.
Alonso’s Impact in Final Games
Alonso had one of the Mets’ best scoring opportunities in the season finale.
In the fifth inning, with the bases loaded, he hit a sharp line drive to left field, only for it to be caught by Javier Sanoja—turning what could have been a critical moment into a missed chance.
The season ended with New York tied at 83-79 with the Reds, who claimed the final playoff spot due to their head-to-head tiebreaker.
It was a tough end for a team that once held the best record in baseball.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Offseason
With Alonso entering free agency, the Mets face a crucial offseason filled with roster decisions and potential moves to rebuild confidence and depth.
Meanwhile, the postseason continues without New York: the Reds face the Dodgers in the Wild Card round, and the Padres meet the Cubs in the other NL opening series.
The AL sees matchups like the Yankees versus Red Sox and Tigers versus Guardians, while the Mariners and Blue Jays advance automatically to the ALDS.
Alonso’s decision is only the first of what promises to be a busy and potentially transformative offseason for the Mets, as the team looks to regroup and prepare for a stronger 2026 campaign.