Alonso Opts Out, Sets Mets HR Record

After the Mets’ season-ending 4-0 loss to the Marlins that eliminated New York from postseason contention, All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso said he will exercise the player opt-out in his contract and test free agency this winter. Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million deal in February that included the one-year opt-out and would forgo a guaranteed $24 million salary for 2026 by leaving the contract. He rebounded in 2025 with a .272 average, 38 homers and 126 RBI, set the Mets’ franchise career home run record (264) and made his fourth straight All-Star team; he will turn 31 in December. Alonso said he loves being a Met and left the door open to a return, but intends to pursue the market and is expected to have multiple suitors despite questions about age and positional value. The Mets now must decide whether to re-sign Alonso or explore alternatives (such as shifting Mark Vientos), and other players like closer Edwin Díaz have yet to announce their contract decisions.