The New York Mets are making waves this offseason with high-profile signings, but the future of star slugger Pete Alonso remains uncertain. With Juan Soto secured on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal and Sean Manaea joining the rotation on a three-year, $75 million contract, the team’s ambitions are clear. However, Alonso’s unresolved contract situation could define their offseason—and their 2025 aspirations.
Sean Manaea strengthens a retooled Mets rotation
Coming off a strong finish to the 2024 season with a 3.09 ERA over his final 12 starts, Sean Manaea is expected to play a pivotal role in the Mets’ rotation. “It made sense to come back here,” said Manaea, who credited the Mets’ coaching staff and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner for helping him stay healthy and productive. His offseason focus has been on refining his changeup, a pitch he admits has been inconsistent in the past.
Manaea joins a rotation bolstered by new additions like Frankie Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal, and Clay Holmes. The rotation also retains key contributors such as Kodai Senga and Griffin Canning. Manaea expressed excitement about reuniting with Montas, his former teammate. “I love him to death. He’s competitive and passionate about pitching,” Manaea said during a recent interview.
Will Pete Alonso return to Queens?
While the Mets’ rotation is taking shape, the lineup still has a major question mark: Pete Alonso. Known as the “Polar Bear,” Alonso has been a central figure in the Mets’ lineup since his debut in 2019, consistently delivering 30- to 40-homer seasons. However, after rejecting a qualifying offer, Alonso is reportedly open to a short-term, high-AAV deal. Sources suggest he’s considering a three-year, $93.3 million contract, which would set a record for the highest average annual value (AAV) for a first baseman at $31.1 million.
Despite his power at the plate, Alonso’s recent performance has raised questions. Over the past two seasons, his batting average dropped to .229, and his strikeout rate increased to 24.7% in 2024. While still a prolific home run hitter—he launched 80 homers over that span—these trends have tempered expectations for a long-term deal. A short-term contract could provide the Mets with flexibility, but it would also push them into the fourth luxury tax tier, adding financial pressure to an already expensive roster.
Alonso’s contract could reshape MLB free agency
The idea of a short-term, high-AAV deal reflects a growing trend in MLB free agency. Players like Jack Flaherty and Anthony Santander are reportedly exploring similar strategies, offering teams flexibility while maximizing their own annual earnings. For Alonso, such a deal would allow him to potentially re-enter the market in a few years, while still earning top-tier compensation in the short term.
However, analysts believe Alonso’s market may be limited, as his preference to stay in Queens narrows the field of potential suitors. If the Mets fail to act, other teams could step in, but the clock is ticking as spring training approaches. Whether Alonso stays or goes will not only shape the Mets’ 2025 season but could also have ripple effects across the league.
The stakes are high for the Mets’ offseason
With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Mets are positioning themselves as contenders. The additions of Sean Manaea and Juan Soto have already made headlines, but the unresolved status of Pete Alonso looms large. Re-signing Alonso would solidify a lineup that could be one of the most formidable in MLB, but financial constraints and luxury tax implications complicate the decision.
As the offseason winds down, the Mets’ front office faces critical choices that will define their immediate future. Whether they bring back Alonso or pivot to alternative solutions, their actions in the coming weeks will determine whether 2025 is a breakthrough season—or a missed opportunity. For Mets fans, all eyes remain on Queens as the team looks to finalize its roster and build toward long-awaited postseason success.
