Pete Alonso Opts Out of Mets Contract, Tests Free Agency

Pete Alonso announced on Sunday that he will opt out of his contract with the New York Mets and test free agency after New York’s season ended with a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park. Alonso made the decision in the clubhouse shortly after the elimination, telling reporters he would explore the open market even as he expressed appreciation for the organization and teammates.

Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million deal with the Mets in February that paid him $30 million this season and included a $24 million player option for 2026. He had tested free agency last winter before returning to New York. The 30-year-old first baseman said he would like to return but emphasized his goal is to win a championship. "Playing for this organization, this city, they’ve continued to believe in me," Alonso said. "I’ve loved being a Met. Hopefully, they’ve appreciated me the same." He added, "I want to win. I want to be on top of the mountain. I want to win a World Series."

Alonso delivered one of his strongest seasons, playing in all 162 games and setting or matching several marks. He batted a career-best .272 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and a career-high 41 doubles, and he became...