As of early January 2025, the market for New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso remains one of the most intriguing and closely watched storylines in Major League Baseball. Alonso, one of the most powerful hitters in the game, is coming off a strong 2024 season in which he hit 44 home runs, drove in 114 RBIs, and posted an OPS of .874. While his power has never been in question, questions surrounding his future with the Mets, his potential free-agent status, and his value in trade talks are rapidly gaining attention.
Pete Alonso is in the final year of his current contract, and the Mets have yet to reach an agreement with him on an extension. This has opened the door for potential trade talks as the team looks ahead to the future. Alonso, 29 years old, is entering his prime years, making him an attractive target for any contender in need of a middle-of-the-order bat. Given his power and ability to drive in runs, Alonso is a key player for the Mets, but the front office may ultimately have to make a decision whether to extend him or trade him if the two sides cannot come to terms.
At the moment, the Mets have a complicated payroll situation. They are already committing large amounts of money to players like Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander (both of whom are no longer with the team), and Francisco Lindor. This could lead to the organization considering trades for Alonso to open up financial flexibility, especially if they aren’t certain about securing a long-term deal with him.
Alonso’s market is likely to be one of the most talked-about in the coming months, especially if the Mets entertain trade offers. He is widely regarded as one of the premier power hitters in the league, with an ability to hit for both power and average. The typical suitors for a player like Alonso would be teams that are in contention and in need of an offensive boost, particularly in the heart of their lineup.
Teams like the Chicago Cubs, who are aggressively seeking a slugger to complement their rebuild, could be a potential landing spot for Alonso. The Cubs already have a solid young core, and adding a bat like Alonso’s could give them a dangerous offense for years to come. The New York Yankees, who have struggled with consistency in their lineup in recent seasons, could also be a possible destination. Their need for power hitting is evident, and Alonso would fill a major void in their lineup, especially if they are willing to part with some of their young pitching depth.
The Texas Rangers, after their World Series victory in 2024, may look to further strengthen their lineup with another power bat to ensure they remain a contender in the American League. Other potential suitors could include the Atlanta Braves, who already boast one of the most complete offenses in baseball but could further elevate their lineup by adding a player like Alonso.
Alonso’s market value is primarily determined by his prodigious power and his consistency as a run producer. He has posted multiple seasons with 40-plus home runs and has been one of the best RBI producers in the league. Over the last few years, his strikeout rate has been higher than many would like, but that comes with the territory of being a high-power hitter. In terms of defense, Alonso is adequate at first base, though not considered elite, which will likely diminish his overall value compared to some other top-tier players at different positions.
However, the market for a power-hitting first baseman is always strong, especially given Alonso’s age and durability. With the universal DH rule now in effect, there is more flexibility for teams to use him as a designated hitter in the future, making him even more appealing to American League teams.
Whether the Mets extend Alonso or ultimately trade him will largely depend on the direction they want to take with their roster and future payroll flexibility. While a trade could yield high-end prospects or major league-ready talent, the Mets may also feel inclined to keep Alonso in their lineup as they continue to build around him. If an extension cannot be reached, it would not be surprising if the Mets moved Alonso before the 2025 trade deadline to maximize his value.
As for Alonso, he has been clear in expressing his desire to remain a Met long-term, but the business of baseball will ultimately dictate his future. As his free agency approaches, the market for his services will only intensify, and it is likely that multiple teams will line up to bid for his power bat.
Pete Alonso’s market is one of the most compelling stories heading into 2025. Whether it is through an extension or a trade, his future with the Mets or elsewhere will have a significant impact on the landscape of Major League Baseball in the coming seasons.
