The New York Mets Secure Pete Alonso with a Two-Year, $54 Million Deal
Spring training kicked off in Florida, and the New York Mets had a lot to celebrate as they finalized a lucrative two-year, $54 million contract with star first baseman Pete Alonso. The signing comes as a significant boost for the Mets, who are looking to build on their strong performance from the previous season. Alonso, a four-time All-Star, has been a cornerstone of the Mets organization since his debut in 2019. His return is a clear signal of the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive roster.
A Homegrown Talent Adored by Fans
Pete Alonso, affectionately known as the Polar Bear, has been a fan favorite in Queens from the moment he stepped onto the field. The Mets’ owners, Steve and Alex Cohen, expressed their enthusiasm about bringing Alonso back, emphasizing his importance to the team and the fanbase. Alonso, who turned 30 on December 7, has established himself as one of the most potent home run threats in the league. His 226 home runs rank him third in franchise history, just behind David Wright and Darryl Strawberry. Since his debut, Alonso leads the majors with 586 RBIs and is second only to Aaron Judge in home runs hit.
A Market Linger and a Competitive Deal
Alonso’s return to the Mets was not guaranteed, as he lingering on the free agent market longer than many other top players. Other first basemen, such as Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, and Carlos Santana, had already secured their deals. Walker signed a three-year, $60 million contract with Houston, while Goldschmidt and Santana accepted one-year agreements. However, the Mets and Alonso eventually agreed to terms, with the deal subject to a successful physical. The contract includes a $10 million signing bonus, $20 million for the 2023 season, and $24 million for 2024, with an opt-out clause for 2025.
A Key Player with a Proven Track Record
Alonso’s contributions to the Mets have been nothing short of spectacular. He is the only player in Mets history to have recorded five seasons with at least 30 home runs. Last year, despite a challenging season that saw him batting .240 with 34 homers and 88 RBIs, Alonso remained a consistent performer. He played in all 162 regular-season games, helping the Mets reach the National League Championship Series. His standout moment came in the Wild Card Series, where his three-run, ninth-inning homer off Devin Williams sealed a crucial win over Milwaukee in the decisive third game.
Incentives and Future Prospects
The new contract includes several performance-based incentives for Alonso. He can earn $200,000 for winning the MVP award, $150,000 for finishing second, and $50,000 for third. Additionally, he will receive $150,000 for World Series MVP, $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP, and $100,000 each for a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, All-Star selection, or a spot on the first or second All-MLB team. These incentives highlight the Mets’ belief in Alonso’s potential to excel and lead the team to further success.
Supporting the Pitching Staff
Alongside Alonso’s signing, the Mets also re-signed reliever Drew Smith to a one-year deal with a club option for 2026. Smith, who has spent his entire big league career with the Mets, is expected to miss all or most of the upcoming season as he recovers from his second Tommy John surgery. However, the team’s investment in Smith shows their long-term commitment to his development and the overall strength of their pitching staff. Smith, along with right-hander Christian Scott, who is also recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been placed on the 60-day injured list. Both players are expected to return in 2026, providing a promising future for the Mets’ bullpen.
In summary, the Mets’ moves to secure Pete Alonso and Drew Smith demonstrate their dedication to building a strong, competitive roster. Alonso’s return as a homegrown talent and fan favorite, along with the team’s investment in their pitching staff, sets a positive tone for the upcoming season and beyond.
