David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, has emphasized that the team's most significant weakness this season has been "run prevention." This flaw contributed to a disappointing 3 1/2-month stretch that saw the Mets fall out of playoff contention. Stearns noted the need for the team to adopt an "open-minded" approach when evaluating its current position player roster, particularly given the decline in defensive performance throughout the season.
One of the key players in question is Pete Alonso, the Mets' top in-house free agent, whose reputation as a bat-first slugger has been somewhat overshadowed by concerns about his defensive abilities. As the season progressed, Alonso's glove, range, and arm strength noticeably deteriorated. With these issues in mind, fans and analysts alike are pondering whether they have seen the last of the "Polar Bear" in a Mets uniform.
Stearns reiterated his long-standing desire to retain Alonso, stating, "I would love to have Pete Alonso back." However, he also acknowledged the complexities surrounding Alonso's future, which involve not only financial considerations but also questions about how Alonso fits into the team's overall roster strategy. This past season, among the 39 qualified first basemen, Alonso ranked an alarming 38th in Outs Above Average, highlighting the defensive challenges he presents.
In a recent loss to the Miami Marlins, which could have altered the trajectory of the Mets' season, Alonso's defensive shortcomings were on full display. He failed to catch a line drive that deflected off his glove and committed an error on a ground ball, contributing to a six-run inning for Miami. With his 31st birthday approaching in December, it's unlikely Alonso will see significant improvement in his defensive skills. Nonetheless, his offensive contributions have been crucial to the Mets' performance. He hit 38 home runs, led the league with 41 doubles, achieved an impressive .871 OPS—his best since his rookie season—and played in all 162 games for the second consecutive year.
At a postmortem news conference at Citi Field, Stearns praised Alonso, saying, "Pete is a great Met. He had a fantastic year." He added, "I’d love to have Pete back, and we’ll see where the offseason goes." Last offseason, Alonso faced challenges in free agency, lingering until February without securing a long-term deal, eventually returning to the Mets on a one-year contract worth $30 million, which included a player option for 2026 that he is expected to decline.
This offseason presents a different scenario for Alonso, as he comes off a strong offensive performance without the burden of a qualifying offer that would deter other teams from pursuing him. However, the Mets' commitment to improving their defense raises questions about Alonso's future with the team. While he is a fan favorite in New York and has become the franchise's all-time home run leader, the possibility of bringing him back primarily as a designated hitter is a consideration that Stearns was hesitant to discuss.
Stearns noted, "I think how the exact roster construction hypothetically fills out, we’ll deal with that as we get into the offseason." If Alonso were to transition to a frequent designated hitter role, it could limit the team's options to rest players like Brandon Nimmo and exacerbate defensive issues, especially if Juan Soto—who ranked as the worst qualified right fielder this season—returns to a position that has become a major liability for the Mets.
Ultimately, more than just financial factors could hinder a potential reunion between Alonso and the Mets, as he expressed his love for the franchise, stating, "I’ve loved being a Met. Hopefully, they’ve appreciated me the same." As the offseason approaches, the Mets face crucial decisions that could shape the future of both Alonso and the team's defensive strategy.
