Inside The Mets

Pete Alonso gets candid on when he knew Mets reunion wasn't happening

Former New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso got honest about his time in Queens coming to an end.
Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) reacts after striking our in the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) reacts after striking our in the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Many New York Mets fans are still struggling to come to terms with the fact that Pete Alonso is no longer on their team.

The Polar Bear has been a staple at first base and in the middle of the Mets' lineup since 2019. But the Mets' front office reportedly didn't even make him a formal contract offer this offseason, once they heard how much money he was set to receive from other teams. Ultimately, Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, thus ending his historic tenure in Queens.

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) waves to the crowd on August 12, 2025
Aug 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) waves to the crowd in the fourth inning after becoming the all-time home run franchise leader against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Pete Alonso Explains Why His Mets Return Was Never in the Cards

Alonso was the guest on a December 22 episode of Foul Territory and was asked several questions about his Mets tenure coming to an end.

Read more: Jorge Polanco admits 'surprising' reaction to Mets' free agency decisions

When asked about the Mets not being involved in signing Alonso this offseason and whether that hurt at all, Alonso said, "To be honest, buddy, for me it's okay because I know I gave everything I had every single day. I'm appreciative of it. I mean, at the end of the day, for me, I'm just happy this is not just where I'm gonna be playing. For me, this is where my family's gonna be, and they welcomed us with open arms. And that's why, for me, I feel like I'm in the right place.

"The Orioles, they treated us excellent the whole way. It's not that the Mets didn't. I just feel blessed, and I feel like we're in the right spot. How could I be salty over that?" he continued, per an X post from Foul Territory.

When asked about when he realized he wasn't going back to the Mets, Alonso said, "It was pretty much when it came down to the true negotiating point, and it's like, 'Alright. It's just not gonna happen.' And for me, it's like I gave everything I had, and I always do. I just don't take it personal because at the end of the day, it's their philosophy, it's their business decision.

"And I'm in a place where they see me in their future and in their present. So I'm stoked to be there, and I can't wait to win ball games for the Baltimore Orioles," Alonso continued, per another X post from Foul Territory.

Even if Alonso is at peace with how his time in New York ended, it will still be tough for fans to see him in an Orioles jersey next season.

If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.

Recommended Articles


Published
Grant Young
GRANT YOUNG

Grant Young covers the New York Mets and Women’s Basketball for Sports Illustrated’s ‘On SI’ sites. He holds an MFA degree in creative writing from the University of San Francisco, where he also played Division 1 baseball for five years. He believes Mark Teixeira should have been a first ballot MLB Hall of Fame inductee.