The MLB Hot Stove is heating up, and one of the hottest names on the market is Pete Alonso. After a stellar 2025 season, the Polar Bear is poised to make a splash in free agency. Let's dive into the potential landing spots and what it all means for the slugging first baseman.
Player Profile:
- Name: Pete Alonso
- Position: First baseman
- Team: New York Mets
- Age (as of Opening Day 2026): 31
- 2025 Stats: 162 games, .272/.347/.524 (.871 OPS), 38 HR, 126 RBI, 87 R, 144 OPS+, 3.6 wins above replacement (per FanGraphs)
- Qualifying Offer: No
Alonso's second journey into free agency is shaping up to be far more promising than his first. While he's a year older, his performance in 2025 was significantly better. He's coming off a season where he smashed 38 home runs, drove in 126 runs, and boasted an impressive .871 OPS. This time around, he doesn't have a qualifying offer attached to him, which opens the door for more teams to pursue him.
One National League executive noted, "Alonso has put himself in a superior position relative to last offseason, that much is clear." The big question is, to what extent will that translate into a bigger payday?
Potential Suitors:
Mets: Alonso has been a Met his entire career and is the franchise's all-time home run leader. While preliminary discussions have begun, the Mets' willingness to offer a long-term deal remains uncertain, especially with an in-house option like Mark Vientos.
Red Sox: With financial flexibility after trading Rafael Devers, the Red Sox could use Alonso's power in their lineup, particularly at first base. However, their pursuit might depend on whether they re-sign Alex Bregman.
Orioles: Baltimore is looking to bolster its pitching staff, but adding a power bat is also on their radar. Alonso could share time at first base and DH with Ryan Mountcastle and Samuel Basallo, keeping both bats in the lineup.
Phillies: If they can't re-sign Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies could turn to Alonso to fill the slugger's void. This could involve moving Bryce Harper to right field or using Alonso and Harper in a first base/DH combo.
Nationals: The Nationals are looking for a veteran star to help them compete. Alonso could provide the offensive boost they need, especially considering their struggles at first base last season.
Executive Insights:
An executive predicts that Alonso will fare better this offseason. There are fewer top-tier power hitters available, which could drive up his value.
Buyer Beware:
While Alonso's power is undeniable, his defense at first base has been a concern. He's had negative outs above average in the past two seasons.
For Comp's Sake:
Alonso and Schwarber are the only top-tier power bats on the market. Without the qualifying offer, Alonso should be able to secure a deal longer than two years. Since 2019, only four first basemen have landed deals of five years or more, with Freddie Freeman being the only exception.
Now, here's where it gets interesting... The fact that Alonso doesn't have a qualifying offer attached to him is a huge advantage. This means teams won't have to forfeit draft picks to sign him, making him even more attractive. But here's where it gets controversial... Alonso's defensive struggles could be a sticking point for some teams. Will they be willing to overlook his defensive shortcomings for his offensive prowess? And this is the part most people miss... The market for power hitters can be unpredictable. A team desperate for a boost could overpay, or a team with a more strategic approach could land him at a bargain. What do you think? Will Alonso get a long-term deal? Which team do you think is the best fit for him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
