MLB Rumors: Mets' Pete Alonso Could Eye Contract Bigger Than Freeman, Goldschmidt

Pete Alonso will likely be a very rich man in the near future.

The New York Mets first baseman is set to hit free agency following the 2024 MLB season, and his camp believes he could get a contract in the range of those given to Freddie Freeman and Paul Goldschmidt due to "his age, power and durability."

That doesn't mean a deal with the Mets couldn't happen sooner, as Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the team plans to "aggressively pursue" the first baseman in the next several months.

"League sources expect the Mets to aggressively pursue Alonso in the offseason," Sammon wrote. "In the meantime, they might think it's unproductive for either side to engage in an extended back-and-forth contract negotiation when the chances of something lining up at the moment appear slim."

Alonso has stated his interest in an extension and would be interested in being a member of the franchise for his entire career.

"I love it here," Alonso said, per AP. "I definitely have envisioned me being a lifelong Met, that's something I've definitely thought about. I love New York, it's a really special place for my family and I ... But I can't predict the future. For me, I just want to focus on this season and be the best person I can be."

Still, that doesn't mean he won't test free agency, even if his long-term plan is to stay with the franchise. He is represented by Scott Boras, a super agent who has significant experience in getting the best deals for his client.

"If the Mets presented an offer tomorrow, the prudent thing for Boras to instantly think is: 'OK, that's the floor. What can we get in the open market with more teams involved?"' Sammon wrote. "This is how things have played out for Juan Soto, another Boras client, who once reportedly turned down $440 million and is now poised to land a lot more."

Alonso hitting free agency is not the major blow to the Mets that it would be to other ball clubs due to the team's financial situation. The organization has deep pockets, proven by its high payroll heading into the 2023 season, and few teams can compete with the money it could shell out.

Still, surpassing Freeman and Goldschmidt would be a huge deal. Freeman signed a six-year, $160 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2022 season while Goldschmidt signed a five-year, $130 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020.

While those are steep prices, both players have won MVP Awards and are in the elite echelon of first baseman. Alonso is not necessarily held in that regard yet, although he is inching closer.

He is not a hitter who will bring a high batting average to the team, as he hit just .217 in 2023 and has a career average of .251. Still, he makes a name for himself with his power hitting, as he slugged 46 home runs in 2023 and has 192 in his career. He's also a sure-handed fielder at first base, with a career .992 fielding percentage.

Whether it is in New York or with another franchise, Alonso will likely cash in following the 2024 season, and the pressure will be on to reach the success of players like Freeman and Goldschmidt.