Pete Alonso walked into Mets camp Tuesday with the same infectious energy that has defined his career to date with the Mets , but this time, he did so after a winter of uncertainty. The Mets’ slugging first baseman, fresh off an offseason of free agency speculation, is back for at least one more season in Queens, and he couldn’t be happier about it.
“This has been home,” Alonso said, flashing his trademark smile. “It’s an electric fan base, and these guys in the clubhouse—this place is really special to me. I’m just really happy to be back and it’s really exciting this year.”
Alonso’s return to the Mets comes on a short-term deal, a reality he seemed at peace with given his performance over the past two seasons.
“I couldn’t expect something incredibly mega long because I didn’t have my best year in ’23, didn’t really have my best year either in ’24,” he admitted. “The two years stacked up, didn’t really play to my potential. There were some positive outcomes, but I can’t expect a 10-year deal after that. I just have to get back out there and play the best I can for the New York Mets.”
Still, the free agency process had its twists and turns, even if, according to Alonso, his heart never truly left Citi Field.
“I mean, for me, this was it,” he said. “Throughout the entire offseason, we had the best dialogue with the Mets, and that was it. This was the best opportunity for me. I’m just really happy to be back.”
That dialogue included a crucial meeting in Tampa with Mets owner Steve Cohen, a discussion that seemed to seal the deal.
“It wasn’t just that meeting,” Alonso explained. “There were a lot of guys keeping in contact with me. Nims, Wink, me and Sean worked out together when he signed, and he was like, ‘Dude, you got to come back.’ Ryan Stanek, Francisco Lindor—there were guys saying, ‘We got to have Pete back.’ It means a lot to have that support from guys you’ve been around a long time.”
When asked about the grind of the off season negotiations and if it was exhausting , he quipped that it wasn’t him who was exhausted, but rather his agent, Scott Boras, drawing laughs from the room.
Beyond the contract talks and clubhouse camaraderie, Alonso spent his offseason making adjustments, particularly in his defensive game.
“I did a deep dive,” he said. “One area I was really critical of was decision-making on throws. I made six or seven errors, and four or five of them were throwing errors. I probably shouldn’t have thrown them—trying to force a play instead of just fielding it, shutting it down, touching the bag. I just want to get better every year.”
And while his focus remains on the 2025 season, Alonso didn’t shy away from discussing his long-term future with the Mets.
“Yeah, that’d be fantastic,” he said when asked about a long-term deal. “I’ve had a great first six seasons here, and people have been so receptive. This has been home. It’s just a fantastic place, and yeah, that could be really awesome.”
For now, Alonso is focused on the present and the thrill of another season in blue and orange.
“The most fulfilling part is just that the story continues,” he said. “We’ve fostered so many great relationships, and there’s new guys I’m excited to create relationships with. I feel prepared and excited. It feels like the stars are aligning, and I can’t wait for Opening Day.”
With his contract situation temporarily settled, Alonso can turn his attention to what truly matters—helping the Mets win. Alonso also addressed his pursuit of the Mets' single-season home run record, expressing his determination while keeping a lighthearted approach. And if there’s one thing Pete Alonso has made clear, it’s that he’s motivated by one thing above all else.
“That playoff feeling, playing that high-leverage baseball—that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “That’s the most addicting feeling I’ve ever had on a baseball field. And I just want to get back and finish the job.
As the press conference wrapped up, Alonso stayed true to his signature style, closing with his trademark rallying cry: 'LFGM.'
Watch the entire press conference here :
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