Alonso then entered free agency during the 2024-2025 offseason reportedly rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension through the 2023 season. His market never developed as expected, and Alonso ultimately re-signed with the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out after the 2025 season.
There are reasons to believe that Alonso will get the long-term deal he was looking for this time. The two-time Home Run Derby champion is coming off his best season since 2022, slashing .272/.347/.524 over 709 plate appearances, hitting 38 home runs and leading the National League with 41 doubles. Notably, Alonso no longer has the qualifying offer this offseason, removing a potential barrier for teams hesitant to lose a draft pick.
Alonso should have a different experience in free agency this season. Let’s take a look at three potential landing spots for the five-time All-Star.
Three potential landing spots for Pete Alonso in free agency
1. New York Mets
TThe Mets need at least one more powerful bat to protect Juan Soto in the lineup. Alonso was impressive in that role in 2025, driving in the second-most runs of his career (126), as Soto’s ability to draw a wide became even more valuable. Alonso, who turns 31 in December, has made it clear that although he terminated his contract, wants to stay with the Mets in the future.
There are potential obstacles to a reunion. Alonso isn’t the strongest defensive first baseman, and president of baseball operations David Stearns is highlighted the Mets’ run prevention as an area in need of improvement, which could make Alonso a potential designated hitter. Soto may also have to transition to the DH role sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, there is no denying that Alonso has done well in New York. If he is open to a shorter deal, a return to the Mets is entirely possible.
2. Boston RedSox
First base has been a bit of a revolving door for the Red Sox, as five players played the position at least 12 times by 2025. Triston Casas was one of the worst players in baseball before missing the final five months of the season with a torn left patellar tendon. Abraham Toro, the Red Sox’ leading first baseman in 2025, posted a mediocre .659 OPS over 284 plate appearances. Boston clearly needs more from first base.
The question might be whether the Red Sox believe Casas can return to his 2023 form, when he finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 23 home runs. If MLB Network’s Jon Morosi suggested that the Red Sox have the best chance of any team to lure Alonso away from the Mets, Boston could be ready to move on from Casas. If so, Alonso would be the type of power forward the Red Sox need.
3. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds typically don’t target top free agents. Their biggest free agent deals in team history are tied between third baseman Mike Moustakas and outfielder Nick Castellanos – four years, $64 million. If the Reds want to sign Alonso, it will require an unprecedented financial commitment from the owners.
And yet Alonso is exactly the type of bat the Reds need if they want to take another step forward in 2026. ESPN’s Jeff Passan speculated that the Reds could be a landing spot for Alonso, providing the power and production the lineup lacks. If Alonso wants to land the contract he’s looking for, Cincinnati could be the place.
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