The New York Mets are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while there are plenty of decisions on the table, one towers above the rest – what to do about Pete Alonso. The 30-year-old slugger isn’t just a power-hitting first baseman; he’s the heartbeat of this team, a fan favorite who’s become synonymous with Mets baseball over the past several years. And now, after another elite season, he’s poised to hit free agency.

Alonso is coming off a two-year, $54 million deal that includes a player option for 2026, but let’s be real – with the kind of numbers he just put up, there’s little doubt he’ll decline that option and test the open market. The Mets now face a franchise-defining choice: lock up their star long-term or risk watching one of the game’s premier power hitters walk out the door.

Alonso’s case: durability, production, and leadership

Let’s start with the numbers – because they’re loud. Alonso played all 162 games this season, a rare feat in today’s game and a testament to his durability and commitment.

He slashed .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a 141 wRC+. That’s not just good – that’s elite.

And it’s not a one-off. Alonso has been doing this year after year, delivering consistent power and run production in the middle of the Mets’ lineup.

But Alonso’s value goes beyond what shows up in the box score. He’s a clubhouse leader, a fan favorite, and a face-of-the-franchise type of player.

The energy at Citi Field when he steps into the batter’s box? That’s not something you can replicate.

His connection with the fans, his presence in the dugout, and the way he carries himself – it all matters. In a sport that’s as much about identity as it is about analytics, Alonso checks every box.

A Mets legend weighs in

Keith Hernandez, a Mets icon who’s seen his fair share of great players come through Queens, didn’t mince words when talking about Alonso’s future. On a recent episode of The Show podcast, Hernandez made it clear: the Mets can’t afford to let Alonso go.

“You’re not gonna replace his bat, his power bat,” Hernandez said. “To me, he is the second coming of Harmon Killebrew. I had said that in his rookie season.”

That’s not just high praise – that’s Hall of Fame-level comparison. Killebrew was one of the most feared sluggers of his era, and Hernandez sees that same kind of impact in Alonso.

He also pointed out the importance of Alonso’s right-handed power in a lineup that’s been lefty-heavy at times. “Really, our lineup was top-heavy,” Hernandez added.

“If he drives in 125 runs, a right-handed bat – I think they’ve got to sign him. And they’ve got to sign Díaz, too.”

The money is there – so what’s the holdup?

This isn’t a case where the Mets are strapped for cash. They have the financial flexibility to make a deal happen – for Alonso, and for closer Edwin Díaz, who remains one of the best in the business when healthy. The question isn’t whether they can pay Alonso – it’s whether they’ll choose to.

And here’s the thing: letting Alonso walk would send the wrong message. This is a team trying to build a sustainable winner, not just chase short-term fixes.

You don’t build that kind of foundation by letting homegrown stars walk out the door. You build it by rewarding the players who’ve produced, who’ve led, and who’ve helped define your culture.

Alonso’s power isn’t something you can just find on the open market. It’s rare, it’s reliable, and it’s deeply woven into the Mets’ offensive identity. Letting him go would leave a hole that no prospect or free agent can easily fill – not just in the lineup, but in the clubhouse and the hearts of the fanbase.

The bottom line

If the Mets are serious about competing with the Dodgers, Braves, and other perennial contenders, keeping Pete Alonso is the kind of move that sets the tone. He’s earned the contract.

He’s earned the trust. And frankly, he’s earned the right to be the cornerstone of whatever comes next in Queens.

This winter, the Mets don’t need to get creative – they just need to do the obvious. Pay the man.