Pete Alonso Ready to End MLB Curse Even as Mets Written Off From NL East Battle, Says Insider

For years, Pete Alonso has been one of the most feared sluggers in Major League Baseball, yet one key accolade has eluded him: the Silver Slugger Award. Despite ranking among the league leaders in home runs and RBIs, stars like Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, and Matt Olson have repeatedly edged Alonso out. Now, as the 2025 season winds down, insiders believe Alonso may finally break that curse, even as the Mets are effectively out of the NL East race.

Individually, Alonso’s timing couldn’t be better. Playoff projections give the Phillies a 95 percent chance of taking the division, the Padres 15 percent, leaving the Mets with a slim 5 percent chance to turn the tide. Yet Alonso continues to produce, boasting 31 home runs, 110 RBIs, and an .856 OPS in 529 at-bats. Since debuting in 2019, he has amassed 257 career homers—the most among any National League player during that span. While Harper (.862 OPS, 23 homers, 64 RBIs) and Freeman (.874 OPS, 18 homers, 76 RBIs) remain formidable foes, Alonso’s impact, particularly in run creation, stands out.

The latest gossip was provided by Chad Jennings of The Athletic, who believes Alonso’s wait for recognition might ultimately end. “The Athletic MLB staff: This is a pretty boring pick, right? Except, no, not really, because Alonso actually has never won a Silver Slugger. He’s been an All-Star four times. He won a Rookie of the Year award, and he’s been top 10 in MVP voting a couple of times. He’s led the league in homers and he’s led the league in RBIs, but he’s never won a Silver Slugger (there was always a Paul Goldschmidt or Freddie Freeman or Matt Olson or Bryce Harper in his way). This, though, could be Alonso’s year. It’s basically a three-man toss-up among Alonso, Freeman, and Harper, but Alonso might have the slight edge heading into September.”

Fans now debate whether Alonso’s counting stats will outweigh Freeman’s consistency or Harper’s efficiency. Alonso’s .267 batting average trails Freeman’s .300, but his 110 RBIs surpass both Freeman’s 76 and Harper’s 64. While OPS often influences Silver Slugger voters, Alonso’s ability to carry the Mets’ lineup in crucial moments could clinch him the honor long overdue.

Winning the Silver Slugger would mark a massive milestone in Alonso’s career, validating years of power-hitting dominance. With four All-Star appearances, a Rookie of the Year award, and multiple top-10 MVP finishes already, this award would fill a glaring gap in his accolades. Jennings believes 2025 could be the year Alonso ends his Silver Slugger drought, even if the Mets fade in the postseason race.

Building on Alonso’s Silver Slugger hunt, the conversation has already changed to an even bigger storyline: his looming free agency.

Multiple Powerhouses Emerge as Early Suitors for Pete Alonso in Free Agency

Pete Alonso’s bat may eventually bring him a Silver Slugger, but insiders say the real drama started this winter. After failing to land the $200M mega-deal he sought last offseason, Alonso instead came back to the Mets on a short-term pact. Now, with his production still ranking among the league’s elite, his name sits atop the free agent market, and plenty of big-market teams are swirling.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, Mariners, and Rangers are predicted to pursue Alonso this offseason. Each opponent has a unique requirement at first base. The Yankees are getting by with 37-year-old Paul Goldschmidt, but his .615 OPS since June highlights the urgency for a younger, more powerful option. In Boston, first base remains unsettled after Rafael Devers refused to switch positions, creating an opening for Alonso to slide in as an immediate lineup anchor.

Seattle and Texas offer exciting fits as well. The Mariners acquired Josh Naylor at the trade deadline, but his expiring deal leaves uncertainty heading into 2026. The Rangers, meanwhile, have prioritized power bats around Corey Seager and Marcus Semien but lack a long-term slugger at first. Even Houston, despite investing in Christian Walker, could enter the mix, particularly after his stripy offensive year. That level of interest shows Alonso’s appeal stretches far beyond New York.

Of course, front offices will note his uneven 2025 production. Alonso started red-hot, posting a .921 OPS with 18 homers in his first 320 at-bats, but settled off to a .756 OPS over his last 209 at-bats. While still a dangerous run producer, clubs must weigh whether his bat justifies a $200M+ investment, specifically as he approaches his age-31 season. That said, his consistency in home run totals and RBI production remains unbeaten.

The Mets will have the first shot to keep him, but if the franchise decides to pivot amid its shrinking NL East odds, Alonso could easily become the hotspot of a bidding war. With his market getting hotter and multiple powerhouses preparing their offers, this winter may not just be about whether Alonso ultimately wins a Silver Slugger; it could also be the moment he changes uniforms for the first time in his career.