ORLANDO, Fla. — The New York Mets have decided not to keep Pete Alonso, league sources told The Athletic. Instead, he just signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
While the Mets showed some interest in Alonso, they weren’t ready to meet his contract demands, according to sources. Alonso’s departure comes right after the Mets’ star closer, Edwin Díaz, also left for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This shift leaves the Mets in a tricky spot. Team officials insist there’s still time in the offseason to make moves. There are plenty of big-name free agents available, and the Mets are reportedly exploring trade options, though nothing seems imminent.
The roster is changing significantly. Before these departures, Alonso, along with outfielder Brandon Nimmo, reliever Drew Smith, and Díaz were some of the longest-serving players in the organization. Now, they’re all gone, with only Jeff McNeil left as a potential trade candidate.
Last year, Alonso’s situation was tense. He had a two-year deal worth $54 million — what he called a “bridge” contract — which included an opt-out. Coming off a disappointing season with a .788 OPS, he struggled to secure a better deal.
This season, however, Alonso bounced back. He hit 38 home runs with an OPS of .871, marking a significant improvement in his hitting stats. His hard-hit rate and chase rate also got better, indicating a strong offensive performance.
However, his defense took a hit. Alonso has never been known for his defensive skills, but this year, his metrics showed he struggled with throwing and range. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has focused on enhancing overall defense, especially after acquiring second baseman Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers for Nimmo last month. Improving the right side of the infield seems to be a priority for the team.
Replacing Alonso’s offensive contributions will be tough. The Mets must bolster their lineup, which now lacks power behind Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
Recent statistics show that teams increasingly value solid defense, especially in high-pressure situations. According to a survey by the MLB Players Association, 72% of players believe that fielding has a direct impact on game outcomes. As the Mets move forward, they will need to strike the right balance between offense and defense to remain competitive.
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Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, MLB
