NY Mets end stalemate with Pete Alonso as two sides agree to unexpected contract

The Pete Alonso saga has been one of the more dramatic storylines of the MLB offseason. After weeks of speculation and wondering if the two sides were going to be able to get a deal done, we finally got the resolution New York Mets fans have been waiting for.

The Polar Bear will be staying in Queens, signing a two-year deal worth $54 million, according to Jeff Passan.

The deal, which is still pending a physical, is set to pay Alonso $30 million during the 2025 season. After that, there is an opt-out that will allow Alonso to test the market again and try to land the long-term deal he was trying to get this offseason. If he decides to stay with the Mets, he'll make $24 million in 2026. The contract also includes a $10 million signing bonus. This move seemingly solidifies the lineup going into 2025.

What this deal means for both the Mets and Pete Alonso

The main issue that fans and experts had with the Mets' lineup going into 2025 was the fact it was missing a power threat. Sure, they signed Juan Soto, and guys like Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez are expected to take the next step. But once you got outside the top four or five, it felt like there was a big drop off. There were more question marks than certainties with five through nine. Those problems are gone now that Alonso is back.

Although Alonso had a down year in 2024, his power never left his bat. He slashed .240/.329/.459 with 34 home runs and 88 RBI, to go along with a 123 OPS+ of 123 and 125 wRC+. Sure they're not the dominant numbers we saw him produce in the 2019 and 2022 seasons, but they're fine for the type of hitter the Mets expect Alonso to be. With guys like Soto and Fransisco Lindor, he's no longer the heart of the offense. He's now a secondary threat who they expect to hit home runs and come up clutch in big situations.

The signing also brings much-needed protection to the Mets lineup. When the Mets signed Soto, it was said the front office wanted to bring in others to help him. They didn't want him to have to carry the entire weight of the offense. Alonso helps take some of that pressure off Soto. With his home run ability, teams will have to be cautious of him in the lineup. They can't just pitch around Soto because Alonso will be due up and can change the game in one swing.

This short-term deal also gives the two sides a chance to mend fences. As mentioned, the negotiations were a rollercoaster. Steve Cohen said it was some of the toughest situations he's dealt with due to the gap in talks and the emotions that were at stake. However, the best cure for that is winning. If the Mets can live up to expectations and Alonso is a major contributor, then what happened this offseason will be forgotten.

With Alonso back on the team, Mets fans can finally stop worrying and get excited about the upcoming season.