The Mets are positioned to be big spenders in free agency year-after-year under owner Steve Cohen, but they might lose one of their own this winter.
First baseman Pete Alonso is set to hit free agency after a six-year tenure with the Mets that made him the third-leading home run hitter in franchise history. New York likely has the resources to retain Alonso, but will they be motivated to bring him back?
It's been no secret that the Mets plan to make a bid for Yankees star Juan Soto, and Alonso's next contract might not fit into the picture if Soto or another big name is brought in.
Here's a look at some of the top potential landing spots for Alonso in free agency.
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Pete Alonso landing spots
Mets
The Mets haven't seemed willing to come very close to Alonso's demands in contract negotiations, but with the money they have, a reunion is at least on the table.
Cody Bellinger was effectively forced to return to the Cubs last offseason after he failed the find the market he expected. Alonso has a more consistent track record, but will teams be lining up to dump a huge contract on a player batting .229 over the past two seasons with limited value outside of his power?
Alonso seems intent on testing the market, but a return to New York is an option if that market doesn't develop -- or if the Mets can't find any better ways to spend their money.
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Cubs
The Cubs picked up Michael Busch from the Dodgers for cheap last offseason, and he was generally fine in his first year in Chicago. Alonso, however, offers much more power upside, and Busch could always switch to a designated hitter role if the Cubs really want to keep his bat around.
Chicago said at the trade deadline that it was building toward 2025. The Cubs finished the year on a high note, but getting back to the postseason is a priority next season — and that could require a major move.
Mariners
Mariners owner John Stanton said the team is planning to increase payroll in 2025 after a disappointing season, though the Seattle Times reported Seattle does not "intend to dive into the deep end of the free-agent pool this winter."
The franchise is seen by rivals as a contender for Alonso, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported, despite those rumors.
If the Mariners do decide to dive in, Alonso is a strong fit. Seattle needs productive bats. The position, at this point, comes secondary, but the team does not have a short-term or long-term answer at first base. Pairing Alonso's power with the bats of Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena would be a start for the Mariners as they try to rebuild their offense.
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Padres
The Padres dialed back their payroll after the death of owner Peter Seidler, but they showed a commitment to winning with aggressive moves from the acquisitions of Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez to a trade deadline loaded with bullpen additions.
If there is room in the budget, Alonso could be a great fit in San Diego. The Padres don't have an answer at first base, and an upgraded offense in the post-Soto era could turn the franchise into a perennial World Series contender with the pitching they already have.
Pirates
Let's get wild! Will the Pirates be pressured into spending serious money this offseason after another disappointing year? Probably not. If owner Bob Nutting is feeling the heat, though, Alonso would be a natural target.
Pittsburgh has long had no solution at first base, and adding power to the lineup is a must if the Pirates want to compete in 2025.
Why waste such a prime opportunity to win with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones in the rotation next season? Biting the bullet and giving Alonso a hefty contract would elevate the Pirates' short-term and long-term ceiling.
Pete Alonso contract projection
Alonso reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension offer from the Mets ahead of the 2024 season, and USA Today reported during the season that Alonso is pursuing a deal worth at least $200 million in free agency. That could be a tough ask.
Alonso's power is impressive, but power isn't exactly hard to find in this era of baseball. With less than ideal on-base ability for a player with such a powerful bat, Alonso doesn't offer a ton beyond the home runs. His track record is enough to get him paid handsomely, but like Bellinger a year ago, the market he's looking for might not develop.
Something in line with the six-year, $162 million deal Freddie Freeman signed with the Dodgers might be more realistic. Freeman was a better player at the time than Alonso is now, but he was also older than Alonso, and rising salaries across baseball are worth taking into account.
Bellinger earned $26.7 million per year on his deal, while Freeman is making $27 million per year. Alonso should aim to beat that, but likely not by much.
Alonso could opt for security and lower his average annual salary with a seven-year deal, or he could take the Bellinger route and accept a shorter deal for more money annually.
