MLB Rumors: Pete Alonso, Mets Have ‘Sizable Gap’ in Contract Talks amid Free Agency

The New York Mets and free-agent slugger Pete Alonso are reportedly far apart in negotiations regarding a return to the team.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, there is a “sizable gap” in talks between the Mets and Alonso “at the moment.”

Heyman noted that it “doesn’t mean he’s gone,” but “no quick deal appears at hand.”

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns previously said that the team would “love” to bring Alonso back in free agency.

Despite free-agent activity across the majors to begin the offseason, Alonso still hasn’t been signed. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Dec. 19 that teams are “hesitant to give him a long-term deal.”

Since making his MLB debut with the Mets in 2019, Alonso has established himself as one of the best power hitters in the sport. He’s exceeded 30 home runs in each of the past four years and has also remained relatively healthy, missing just 20 total regular-season games over that span.

Concerns may lie with his age, as New York could be hesitant to hand Alonso a long-term deal after he just turned 30 years old on Dec. 7. His OPS has also declined in three consecutive years, including a career-low .788 mark in 2024.

Alonso’s postseason performance could provide some optimism that he’d be able to live up to a new contract, as he hit four home runs and 10 RBIs in 13 games to go along with a .273/.431/.568 slash line.

The Mets have already experienced an eventful offseason, handing star outfielder Juan Soto a massive 15-year deal that could exceed $800 million. New York also reached an agreement to bring back left-handed starter Sean Manaea on a new three-year, $75 million contract.

A reunion between Alonso and the Mets doesn’t appear to be out of the question, but there are still multiple hurdles to clear before a resolution is reached.