“I mean, we’ve just got an incredible group here that has a great purpose. It’s been great playing here — but, yeah, I hope it doesn’t end.” That’s what the home run king said after spending seven summers in Citi Field. Now that he’s opted for free agency, will the Mets re-sign him? Well, for David Stearns, who once said, “We all love Pete,” the front office might bring him back. But one analyst urged it’s finally time to move on from Pete Alonso.

The Mets drafted him as the 64th overall pick in round 2 back in 2016, and since his debut in 2019 at the majors, he has been nothing but consistent. This season, he also delivered a decent performance. He was hitting with an average of .272 with 126 RBIs, 28 home runs, and an OPS of .871. Alonso became the cornerstone, but looking at the bigger picture? The clubhouse has another area to focus on, and re-signing him will be a little risky.

That’s not just speculation—Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report made a compelling case for why the NYM should pivot. He wrote that the Mets should focus on “spending on arms and shifting Mark Vientos to first base next year, so be it.

The team that is willing to meet Alonso’s asking price could end up regretting that signing in the long term, especially if he doesn’t help deliver a title in the next couple of years.”

When you look at the whole picture, the argument makes sense. The Mets really need help with their starting rotation. Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat are young pitchers who showed some promise at the end of the season, but they need more experienced players to help them.

Players like Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen, and Japanese League star Tatsuya Imai can be the answer. These are the types of pitchers who could lead a rotation for years and get agreements worth nine figures.

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Now, the Mets have to decide whether to spend a lot of money on a first baseman who depends on power or build up their pitching depth.

Alonso’s reported $147M contract demand isn’t an issue for Steve Cohen’s deep pockets. But do they need to? It’s not only about the money; it’s also about value, building a good team, and planning for the future.

Alonso’s glove work and base running aren’t very good, and he relies on hitting home runs to win games. That type of profile usually doesn’t improve after 30.

Alonso himself has spoken of his long-term aspirations: “I have a goal to play baseball until I’m through my age-40 season,” he said (via Tyler Kepner of The Athletic). “And for me, I’m gonna work hard and do that. And you know what? Business side, Steve (Cohen) and David (Stearns), they’ve got to come through.” He is clear about his commitment—and his expectations.

Now it’s up to management to decide. Do they bet on loyalty and strength, or do they make their team more balanced for the future?

If the Mets front office chooses to move on from him, then where can he be a good fit? Well, the next possible place can be the crosstown or the divisional rivals.

Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs: The three clubs ready if Mets pass

Pete Alonso will have plenty of options if the Mets decide to walk away. In fact, he could end up haunting his old team by joining a rival club that is willing to pay him what he wants.

The Mirror says that three teams are the best places for the power batter to go. The New York Yankees are at the top of that list. Paul Goldschmidt is leaving the team, so the Bronx Bombers need a long-term answer at first base. Adding Alonso would be the best way to get back at the Yankees for losing Juan Soto to the Queens last year.

The Boston Red Sox are another interesting option. Boston can add a big bat now that Alex Bregman has opted out of his deal, too. Their current first baseman, Triston Casas, has had two seasons in a row with injuries, including a torn patellar tendon. Alonso would provide them with the steady production they need at the corner.

The Chicago Cubs likely lose Kyle Tucker to free agency next. Michael Busch has played well at first base, but the Cubs could move him to second base or designated hitter to make room for Alonso. Alonso is the perfect fit for Chicago’s middle-of-the-order demands.

This winter will be hot in the major league market, with so many factors at play! One decision, and the tables will be turned at 100mph.