Pete Alonso’s value in free agency faces unexpected challenges, not just from his own shortcomings but also from the towering walk-year performances of his New York counterparts, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. A prominent sports radio host recently dissected how Alonso’s market appeal pales when measured against the historic precedents set by Judge’s 2022 MVP campaign and Soto’s resurgent 2024 season.

Judge’s walk-year heroics are already legendary. His 62-home-run season shattered the American League record and propelled him to an MVP award that cemented his status as a generational player. That season didn’t just earn him recognition; it also netted a massive nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees. Soto followed a similar path in 2024, posting career highs across the board, finishing third in the National League MVP race, and ensuring his name would dominate offseason headlines. Now, the comparisons cast a harsh light on Alonso, whose 2024 season did little to bolster his free agency stock.

TMKS Baseball News recently posted a video on YouTube, which talks about Alonso’s walk-year comparisons. “In two of the last three years, we saw Yankees have career seasons in the final years of their contracts, with Judge winning an MVP and Soto finishing third league MVP. Doesn’t make Pete Alonso look all that good. He said, If you can get somewhere close to you know what he has been over the course of his prime with the Mets, next season put him in the lineup; that could be a lethal offense.”

Despite these observations, Pete Alonso’s performance still stands out as a promising option for teams looking to boost their offensive capabilities. As the host pointed out, Alonso’s future hinges on a strong rebound in 2025. “If you can get somewhere close to you know what he has been over the course of his prime with the Mets, next season put him in the lineup; that could be a lethal offense.”

Throughout his time in the sport, Alonso has established himself as one of the hitters in MLB, frequently appearing near the top of the charts for home runs and RBIs. The excitement surrounding him stems from the hope that, given the conditions, Alonso could return to his peak performance levels from his time with the  team.

Pete Alonso’s 2024: A season of missed opportunities

In 2024, Pete Alonso had set hopes for himself and the New York Mets. However, the season did not meet expectations. The Mets faced challenges in staying competitive, and Alonso’s offensive performance did not reach the anticipated level. While he hit 38 home runs and drove in 92 runs, his overall output was lower than previous seasons in terms of both consistency and effectiveness. His batting average of .231 and on-base percentage of .323 were some of the lowest he has had in his career so far. This led to rising concerns about whether he can continue to perform at a level in the future.

Alonso’s season was further hampered by the Mets’ inability to build momentum, leaving him without the platform to shine in meaningful games. In contrast to Aaron Judge’s and Juan Soto’s walk-year dominance, Alonso’s campaign lacked the defining moments that often elevate a player’s market value. Critics believe that Pete Alonso failed to make the most of his contract year by not delivering the standout performances that have been characteristic of his career. As a result, he now faces an uphill battle to rebuild his image as a player for potential interested parties.

Pete Alonso’s free-agent aspirations are clouded by a lackluster 2024 and the high bar set by his New York rivals’ walk-year performances. To reclaim his value, he must deliver a statement season in 2025. For now, questions about his consistency and impact linger as he navigates an uncertain offseason.