Mets’ Beloved All-Star Projected $110M Four-Year Contract

Pete Alonso’s future with the New York Mets feels uncertain right now. The offseason brought a mess of speculation, contract chatter, and plenty of heated takes from analysts and fans.

He’s one of the team’s most beloved homegrown stars. Alonso wants a long-term deal to keep him in Queens deep into his career, but industry folks seem skeptical the market will meet his price.

It’s a situation that could shake up the Mets’ roster and even the way fans feel about the team for a long time.

Alonso’s “Pillow Contract” and Opt-Out Decision

Back in 2023, Alonso took a two-year, $54 million “pillow contract.” It was a short-term move to protect his future earnings and keep him with the Mets for at least another year.

But after the Mets got knocked out of playoff contention, Alonso didn’t waste time making his intentions clear. He’s skipping the second year and heading for free agency, hoping for a contract that matches his production and his value to a team.

The Seven-Year Ambition

Word is, Alonso wants a seven-year contract that’d take him through his age-37 season. That’s a big ask for a first baseman in today’s market, especially since teams worry about players staying elite into their late 30s.

Analyst Projections: Market Reality vs. Player Aspirations

Plenty of experts don’t think Alonso will get that dream deal. Will Sammon and Tim Britton of *The Athletic* say the most likely outcome is a three- or four-year contract, somewhere between $90 million and $110 million.

That’s still a huge payday, but it’s not the length or the total Alonso reportedly wants.

Comparisons to Statistical Peers

Alonso’s numbers line up more with guys like Eric Hosmer and Anthony Rizzo than with top-tier first basemen like Freddie Freeman. That matters, since front offices always compare players when deciding how much risk to take on a long-term deal.

Freeman’s kept producing into his 30s, which is rare. Hosmer and Rizzo, though, have had some ups and downs over the years.

The Extension That Was Turned Down

The biggest twist? Alonso reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension from the Mets last year. He and his camp must’ve thought they could do better—maybe hoping for more competition or another big season to boost his value.

Now, with most predictions pointing to a much shorter deal, that decision is starting to look a lot riskier.

Risks for Both Sides

Alonso’s playing a dangerous game with timing. Age and the realities of the first base position make long deals tough, and even the best power hitters start to slow down in their mid-30s.

The Mets face their own gamble. Letting a fan favorite walk and then watching him crush it somewhere else? That’s a recipe for backlash.

Fan Sentiment and Franchise Impact

If Alonso leaves, it’ll hit the Mets hard. He’s got the power, the personality, and the bond with fans that made him the face of the team since his rookie year.

If he signs a shorter deal elsewhere and keeps mashing, folks will absolutely question why the Mets didn’t lock him up for good.

• Public Perception: Losing Alonso might look like the team isn’t serious about winning.
• On-Field Production: He still hits home runs with the best of them, anchoring the lineup.
• Leadership: His leadership in the clubhouse means almost as much as what he does at the plate.

The Path Forward

The next few months will be pivotal. Whether Alonso adjusts his expectations or a team decides to push the market’s limits could determine not only his career trajectory but also the Mets’ competitive outlook.

Both sides have to weigh financial pragmatism against emotional investment. In a sport where icons matter as much as stats, this contract negotiation could become one of the defining Mets storylines of the decade.

The baseball world will be watching. Mets fans are hoping that “The Polar Bear” stays in New York for years to come.

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Here is the source article for this story: Mets’ beloved All-Star gets four-year, $110 million contract projection