The New York Mets may be at risk of losing star first baseman Pete Alonso to their division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies. Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets this offseason, but the deal includes a player option for next year. Given his red-hot performance—leading MLB in RBIs and topping the National League in doubles, on-base percentage, and boasting a .328 average with nine home runs—Alonso is likely to opt out and pursue a more lucrative, long-term contract.
Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports speculates that the Phillies could make a strong push to sign Alonso if they lose Kyle Schwarber in free agency. Bringing Alonso in might mean shifting Bryce Harper back to the outfield or using Alonso as a full-time designated hitter. While it would depend on the contract terms, Conahan suggests Alonso, at age 30, is the superior player.
Spotrac estimates Alonso’s next contract could be worth around six years and $186 million. Although the Mets can afford that figure, they might hesitate due to their recent $765 million commitment to Juan Soto and possible reluctance to give another long-term deal to an aging power hitter. If Alonso were to join the Phillies, it could intensify the rivalry and potentially haunt the Mets for years.
