MLB Rumors: Mets Expect Pete Alonso to Exit in Free Agency, NY Considering 1B Options

The New York Mets can maintain their leverage in any negotiations with Pete Alonso by keeping their options open, and they reportedly are doing just that.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Thursday that New York has "discussed the possibility of other free agents taking first-base reps" as discussions continue with Alonso. Passan also highlighted the team's leverage since "there are no others in the market for a first baseman at $25 million-plus a year."

What's more, Andy Martino of SNY noted the team has "pivoted to Plan B."

That New York seemingly holds all the cards follows similar reports in recent weeks.

Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of the New York Post pointed out first basemen such as Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Burger, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana and Christian Walker finding homes this offseason means there are few teams looking for high-profile players at the position at this point.

Along those lines, Martino previously reported the Mets are "holding the line on both the length and dollars of their short-term offer, which includes an opt-out after the first year."

It's not an ideal scenario for the free agent to be in, especially since his resume suggests he would have more leverage than he seemingly does.

After all, he is a four-time All-Star with three seasons of at least 40 home runs. Even though one of them wasn't in the 2024 campaign, he was still productive while slashing .240/.329/.459 with 34 home runs and 88 RBI for a Mets team that made the playoffs.

Alonso would bring significant offensive pop to any team he signed with and would be quite the one-two punch alongside Juan Soto if he remained in New York.

But the team is at least keeping its options open as the offseason progresses.