The New York Mets’ 2025 season was one of the most disappointing in recent memory. After signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract in MLB free agency, New York entered the year with World Series aspirations.

Going just 28-37 after All-Star break, the Mets not only lost their division lead to the Philadelphia Phillies, but missed the playoffs entirely after losing their hold on the National League’s final Wild Card spot to the Cincinnati Reds. On the day they were officially eliminated, the Mets also received word that their All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso would be opting out of his contract and entering free agency.

Alonso, the Mets’ all-time leader in home runs, announced after the season that he would be declining his $24 million player option for 2026. This news does not close to the door on a potential return to New York, but it does force the Mets to have contingency options in place if they cannot retain their right-handed slugger.

One of the potential options for New York is Phillies free agent Kyle Schwarber. The left-handed designated hitter could leave Philadelphia after a season that saw him hit a career-high 56 home runs. Following the Phillies’ Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle predicted they will lose Schwarber in free agency.

Doolittle’s prediction largely hinged on Philadelphia being part of a “crowded market” for Schwarber in free agency. A market that projects to include the Mets following the news of Alonso’s opt-out decision.

Mets Could Pivot to Kyle Schwarber if Pete Alonso Leaves in Free Agency

Appearing in all 162 games this season, Schwarber posted a .928 OPS that tied his career-high previously set in 2021. After a torrid first half, Alonso cooled off a bit after the All-Star break, but still finished with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS that was good for the second-best mark of his career.

On Friday, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report named New York a potential landing spot for the Schwarber — noting the Alonso dynamic as something this hinges on.

“However, if Alonso decides to walk after a frustrating offseason last year where he was unable to find the long-term pact he was seeking, the logical fallback plan might be to use Vientos at first base and to sign Schwarber to be the DH and replacement for Alonso’s power,” Reuter wrote.

Bleacher Report is not only outlet floating Schwarber as a possibility for the Mets. On Saturday, Mike Puma of the New York Post detailed this same dynamic of Alonso’s uncertainty opening the door for Schwarber to potentially switch NL East teams.

“If they decide to move on from Alonso, how can the Mets replace that production?” Puma asked. “Kyle Schwarber is headed to free agency, but is three years older than Alonso and already a full-time DH.”

While Puma noted Schwarber’s age and lack of defensive value as reasons why he isn’t a perfect Alonso replacement, the longtime Mets beat reporter didn’t float any additional options for New York. This is because the free agency market doesn’t have a better power bat than Schwarber or Alonso. And with the Phillies bracing for the potential departure of their three-time All-Star, it’s clear the Mets could be legitimate suitors — especially if Alonso moves on.