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The New York Mets saw Pete Alonso break the franchise home run record on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves. He could hit free agency next year, and all of the pressure is on the Mets.
Alonso has done nothing but produce at a high level since his debut in 2019. Only Aaron Judge has more home runs since then. However, Alonso has a player option after this season, and it would make sense for him to opt out and find a better deal.
Alonso has been great this year, and the Mets will surely be involved in his free agency market. He has spent his entire career with the Mets so far, and could finish as one of the best players in franchise history if the Mets can keep him around.
After breaking the franchise home run record, Alonso put all the pressure on the team’s front office, and also revealed how much longer he is planning to play if the team is interested in making him a Met for life.
“I have a goal to play baseball until I’m through my age 40 season,” Alonso said, per The Athletic’s Tyler Kepner. “And for me, I’m gonna work hard and do that. And you know what? Business side, Steve (Cohen) and David (Stearns), they’ve got to come through.”
Alonso is 30 right now, which means he is trying to play at least through 2035. It’s unlikely the Mets are going to give him a 10-year deal in free agency. However, the five-time All-Star has no plans of retiring soon.
Alonso is already the home run king for the franchise. However, he could end up being one of the all-time best home run hitters in MLB history. If the Mets want to make sure he only ever wears their uniform, it may take multiple long-term contracts.
More MLB: Pete Alonso Sends 7-Word Message to Mets Owner, Front Office Before Free Agency
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