Four-Time All-Star Slugger Re-Signs with the Mets
Following a magical postseason run with the New York Mets last October, during which the team reached the NLCS after eliminating the Milwaukee Brewers and division-rival Philadelphia Phillies in the first two rounds before ultimately falling short against the eventual World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, four-time all-star first baseman Pete Alonso, known to fans as the “Polar Bear,” played a key role in the Mets' success. Most notably, Alonso helped propel the Mets into the postseason, leading his team to a playoff-clinching win against the Atlanta Braves in a doubleheader the day after the regular season had ended for all other teams, as the Mets and Braves had to make up a rainout. Entering free agency as one of the most coveted sluggers on the market this offseason, it was reported by Jeff Passan that Alonso and the Mets have agreed to a two-year deal worth $54 million. With the re-signing of Alonso, the Mets and their fanbase can look forward to adding another big bat to their lineup for the 2025 season and beyond as they pursue a World Series title.
In his six-year career, all with the Mets, Alonso has developed into one of the league's fiercest and most dangerous power hitters. In five of his first six seasons, Alonso had no trouble hitting homers, with the 29-year-old recording 30 or more home runs in those seasons. Most notably, in his rookie year in 2019, Alonso set an MLB record for most home runs by a rookie, hitting 53 homers, surpassing the previous record held by Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who hit 52 in 2017. Along with setting this MLB record, Alonso earned the NL Rookie of the Year Award, receiving 29 out of 30 first-place votes, finishing the season with 53 homers, 120 RBIs, a .260 batting average, and a career-high 72 walks.
The addition of Alonso to the lineup will significantly enhance the Mets’ offensive capabilities, particularly for a squad that finished sixth in home runs last season. As he enters his seventh MLB season, Alonso aims to replicate the success he had with the Mets, where he established himself as a key player. This move is expected to create a more balanced and formidable roster as the Mets look to pursue greater achievements in 2025. Alonso's experience and power-hitting skills will be crucial in driving the team's success moving forward.
