The first base market in Major League Baseball has become significantly depleted, with multiple teams already securing their needs for the 2025 season. The Houston Astros signed Christian Walker, the New York Yankees traded for Cody Bellinger and signed Paul Goldschmidt, and the Washington Nationals made a move to acquire Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers. These actions have left little room for teams to pursue Pete Alonso, the top remaining first baseman in free agency. Alonso, known for his power-hitting abilities, is coming off a strong season in which he hit 34 home runs for the New York Mets.
Alonso has been one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball over the last several years, accumulating 226 home runs over his six-year career with the Mets. Throughout his tenure in New York, he has been a key contributor to the team’s lineup, providing both power and reliability. With the first base market now mostly settled, Alonso finds himself in a unique position, as many of the top suitors for his services have already filled their vacancies.
The Mets have long been considered the favorites to re-sign Alonso, and with the market largely exhausted, it now seems inevitable that he will return to New York. The Mets, under the ownership of Steve Cohen, have the financial flexibility to bring Alonso back. The team has been willing to make large investments, and with no other teams offering a more enticing deal, it seems likely that the Polar Bear will remain in Queens for the long term. His potential new contract is expected to be a six-year deal worth just under $150 million.
While other teams, such as the Texas Rangers, could potentially make a play for Alonso, the chances of him leaving New York appear slim. The Rangers, after trading Lowe to the Nationals, could have a need at first base, but the Mets’ financial resources and long-standing interest in Alonso make them the front-runners. Given the lack of competition in the first base market, Alonso’s return to the Mets looks increasingly likely, as no other team is in a position to offer him the same combination of financial terms and long-term stability.
As the offseason continues to unfold, Alonso’s future seems more certain than ever, with the Mets standing out as his most likely destination. The first base market may have been picked apart by other teams, but for the Mets, re-signing Alonso represents both a wise investment in their future and a chance to maintain a consistent offensive presence in their lineup. With the market dried up and the Mets in a prime position, Alonso’s return to New York seems all but guaranteed.
