MLB’s Top Free Agency Storylines to Watch After Dodgers Win 2024 World Series Bracket

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18:   Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets looks on after winning Game 5 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Friday, October 18, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Pete Alonso’s future with the New York Mets will be another major storyline worth watching this off-season.

After belting a home run off of superb closer Devin Williams in the NL Wildcard that catapulted the Mets in the divisional series, he won back some of the love and admiration of fans who had grown weary during a 2024 season that was his worst, statistically, since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.

Was it enough to convince the Mets to sign him long-term, though?

Despite saying all the right things and reiterating his desire to stay in New York, Alonso turned down a seven-year extension that would have paid him $158 million, on par with what the Atlanta Braves paid Matt Olson.

He, instead, signed a one-year deal to remain with the Mets.

Now, at age 29, he is a free agent able to sign anywhere he pleases.

The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners are two organizations that could use an upgrade at first base. With uncertainty surrounding Anthony Rizzo’s future, the across-town New York Yankees should not be out of the question, either.

Especially if the Mets sign Soto away from the team.

The question is whether any of those potential suitors are willing to match what the Mets will for a player whose production has gradually dipped the last two seasons. The answer is likely “yes,” especially if they feel like they can fix the mechanics that have led to Alonso’s downturn.

SNY Mets insider Anthony DiComo reported the Mets will have discussions with Alonso but will not sign him “at any cost.”

That sounds like a team that knows the slugger needs it more than it needs him.

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