Pete Alonso, one of baseball’s most prominent power hitters, is facing an unexpectedly sluggish free-agent market. His prospects for a lucrative, long-term deal have taken a hit, reportedly due to a “complicated” reputation within MLB circles. While his on-field production remains valuable, concerns about his personality and fit in a clubhouse environment are giving teams pause.

An anonymous American League executive labeled Alonso “a complicated player,” reflecting broader sentiment among league decision-makers. These characterizations are significant, especially for a player entering his age-30 season in 2025 and coming off two comparatively underwhelming campaigns. Teams are hesitant to commit to an extended contract despite Pete Alonso’s history of dominance at the plate, with an MLB-leading 53 home runs as a rookie in 2019 and multiple All-Star selections.

Declining leverage, Alonso’s market stalls

SNYtv posted on one AL executive’s description of Pete Alonso as a complicated player: “He’s (Alonso) not a defender and not an athlete, but he has no issue with the spotlight; he hits homers and hits them in big spots. He’s a tough one.” According to the reports of 2023, the Mets proposed a seven-year contract extension worth $158 million to Alonso, which he turned down. This contract would have kept him with the team until 2030, covering his last year of arbitration. Now, with his market slow to develop, Alonso faces the possibility of waiting until January or February to find a suitor.

Pete’s 2024 salary was $20.5 million, and while he remains a marquee name, the glut of first basemen in free agency further complicates his position. Mets President David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen have publicly stated their desire to retain Pete Alonso, but no clear progress has been made as of yet. Meanwhile, other teams like the Yankees have expressed interest but face their own roster limitations. The Yankees, for example, already feature two aging, right-handed sluggers with high strikeout rates, makes Alonso a potentially awkward fit.

Pete Alonso’s performance trajectory is another point of contention. Despite still being among the league’s top power hitters, his overall production dipped slightly in the past two seasons, raising questions about how well his skills will age. MLB insider Jeff Passan noted that teams remain interested in Alonso for short-term gains but are reluctant to offer him the type of nine-figure contract typical of franchise players.

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Teams that actually make sense for Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso’s next destination remains uncertain, but a few teams stand out as logical fits. The San Francisco Giants, in need of a consistent power bat, could view Alonso as a solution to their offensive struggles. With financial flexibility and a lineup lacking home run threats, Alonso would address a pressing need despite Oracle Park’s reputation as a pitcher-friendly stadium. The Chicago Cubs are another plausible suitor. Coming off a competitive 2024 season, the Cubs could target Alonso to anchor their lineup in Wrigley Field, where his power would play up. His leadership might also resonate with a team looking to solidify its playoff aspirations.

The Boston Red Sox are a dark horse in the Pete Alonso sweepstakes. While their primary focus has been improving the rotation, Alonso could balance their lefty-heavy lineup and add star power. However, concerns about long-term deals might make them hesitant to outbid other teams. The Yankees remain a speculative option, given their need at first base, but their existing roster redundancy with aging sluggers like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton makes Alonso a less-than-ideal fit. As his market develops, Alonso may need to wait until early 2024 to find clarity on where he’ll land.

Pete Alonso’s free agency presents a mix of opportunities and challenges as teams weigh his undeniable power against concerns about long-term value and clubhouse dynamics. As his options continue to take shape, the coming weeks will determine whether Alonso can secure the big payday he seeks or must adjust to a changing landscape.