“For any team, the ability to get his bat in the lineup in multiple ways is helpful. It’s great to know Pete is open to stuff like that.” Those remarks from David Stearns when he learned from Scott Boras that Pete Alonso would embrace a shift to DH amid ongoing defensive concerns. The words sparked genuine optimism across Queens that the homegrown slugger would return to Citi Field. Now, whispers from insiders suggest things otherwise.

After opting for free agency, the four-time All-Star faced an uncomfortable truth—his defense at first base had become a liability the front office could no longer ignore. But Alonso opening for a new role and front office words along with Juan Soto stating, “I really enjoyed my moment with him in a Mets uniform, and I hope we can have more times together.” All pointed towards the Polar Bear deal happening, but here’s the twist. The front office is poised to look outside for the bat instead of re-signing the homegrown slugger.

That optimism crashed hard when WFAN’s Sal Licata shared what an industry insider told him about the contract talks. He said, “The rumors that you’re hearing about the Mets not willing to bend are very true,” the insider revealed.

The financial gap appears significant. According to the source, the Mets’ maximum offer is around two years plus an option, valued at roughly $30 million per year. “If that’s the case, I don’t think there’s any chance the Mets retain Pete Alonso,” Licata concluded.

The insider even mentioned other suitors—the Angels potentially spending aggressively, Cincinnati and Tampa exploring options for that power bat.

Now that once again a new catch has come in Alonso’s chapter, the next question that comes is, if not him, then who is that outsider?

It’s Kyle Schwarber. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the Mets are among several teams pursuing the left-handed slugger, who could become one of the first major bats signed this winter. Demand for Schwarber has driven his expected average annual value beyond $30 million, potentially pushing any deal past the $100 million threshold.

And his numbers will back up why almost every clubhouse is eyeing him.

The 32-year-old opted for free agency after posting a .240 average with 56 home runs through 2025. Many teams are eyeing the slugger, and the Mets have consistently appeared on the list of most suitable teams for him.

The Mets seem ready to let their homegrown slugger go, and instead, they’re eyeing a high-profile bat from elsewhere.

That move, to the Mesties, might feel like a betrayal of Alonso’s loyalty and the franchise’s promise. And he himself said, “I’ve loved being a Met,” which adds to that narrative.

If David Stearns is letting him go, then where can he find his new home? Insiders have said it can be in Boston.

Red Sox poised to pounce if Mets stall on Alonso

The Red Sox seem to be making a play for Alonso, should the New York Mets fail to secure him. As Jon Morosi, an insider, observed: “I look at this as a two-track possibility. Either they bring back [Alex Bregman] or they make an all-out pursuit for Pete Alonso.”

Boston might very well pivot completely to Alonso if their other pursuit falls through.

The Red Sox, in terms of finances, have the means to make a significant move. With a payroll commitment hovering around $127.1 million for 2025, they seem well-positioned to pursue a premier bat. This relative independence in payroll gives them a strategic advantage, allowing for aggressive investments without jeopardizing future flexibility.

Alonso’s offensive contributions certainly strengthen the argument. He hit 38 home runs, drove in 126 runs, and boasted a .524 slugging percentage during a complete season. Those figures certainly catch the eye when considering free agents.

Alonso’s arrival would directly address a significant need for Boston, especially after Triston Casas’s knee injury. The team had identified “middle-of-the-order power” as a key area to bolster.

From a strategic viewpoint, Boston’s interest makes sense for several reasons: a glaring need in their roster, enough salary cap space, and a potential vacancy if the Mets don’t completely commit. Should the Mets hesitate to meet Alonso’s asking price or contract length, the Red Sox are prepared to step in.