The ongoing negotiations between the Mets and star slugger Pete Alonso have taken a fascinating turn, with the power-hitting first baseman reportedly proposing a three-year contract that includes multiple opt-outs.
This kind of structure would give Alonso the flexibility to test free agency sooner rather than later, allowing him to capitalize on his value while still giving the Mets a short-term commitment they prefer. It’s a clever move by Alonso’s camp, balancing security with the opportunity to maximize his earnings in the future.
The $93.3 Million Benchmark
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently weighed in, speculating that the Mets might offer Alonso a deal worth $93.3 million over three years. This figure isn’t arbitrary—it’s strategic.
“Why $93.3 million?” Rosenthal wrote. “Because a $31.1 million average annual value would set a record for a first baseman, beating Miguel Cabrera’s $31 million AAV in his eight-year, $248 million extension with the Detroit Tigers that ran from 2016 to ’23, his ages 33 to 40 seasons.”
For Alonso, the record-breaking AAV would be a significant feather in his cap. It acknowledges his value as one of the league’s premier sluggers while meeting the Mets’ preference for a shorter-term deal. It’s a win-win framework on paper, though the devil is always in the details when it comes to big-money contracts.
Why Alonso’s Bet on Himself Makes Sense
A three-year deal with opt-outs gives Alonso the best of both worlds. He would secure a hefty payday upfront while retaining the option to re-enter free agency while still in his prime. Alonso, who just turned 30, knows his power profile is rare—in 2024, Alonso hit .240/.329/.459, smashing 34 home runs and driving in 88 RBIs. That kind of consistent production doesn’t grow on trees, and he has every reason to believe teams will line up for him when the time comes.
The Mets, meanwhile, avoid locking themselves into a long-term deal that could weigh down their payroll in future seasons. It’s a balancing act, and while Alonso might prefer a longer deal at record-setting numbers, he also knows the short-term route has its advantages if the annual value is high enough.
Setting the Tone for First Basemen
If Alonso does secure a $31.1 million AAV, it would set a new standard for first basemen across the league. Cabrera’s extension with the Tigers was considered an outlier at the time, given his age and the length of the deal. Alonso, however, is entering the prime years of his career, making this record-breaking potential feel more like a natural progression for a player of his caliber.
Why the Mets Should Make the Move
The Mets need Alonso as much as he needs them. He’s the centerpiece of their lineup, a slugger who not only fills the seats at Citi Field but also provides the kind of offensive consistency that’s hard to replace. By meeting Alonso’s demands for a high AAV, the Mets can keep their core intact while maintaining the flexibility to pivot in future offseasons.
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A $93.3 million deal isn’t just a number—it’s a statement. It signals that the Mets value Alonso’s contributions and are willing to make him the highest-paid first baseman in terms of AAV, even if it’s not on the long-term deal he might have initially sought. It’s a balancing act, but one that seems destined to work out in both parties’ favor.