The New York Mets shockingly missed the playoffs last season. Despite signing Juan Soto and coming to a short-term agreement with Pete Alonso, the team failed to deliver on expectations.

Alonso opted out of his contract following his fifth career All-Star selection. He raised his batting average significantly from 2024 last season, and is set up to sign the long-term deal he wanted last winter. However, whether that deal comes from the Mets remains to be seen.

David Stearns has talked about bolstering the Mets’ run prevention this winter, and despite his offensive numbers, paying Alonso does not align with that vision. He has a minus-34 outs above average since making his debut, according to Baseball Savant. If the Mets are serious about improving defense, they could let Alonso walk.

Alonso already figures to be one of the most coveted free agents, and if the Mets pull themselves from the running, other teams don’t have to worry about outbidding Steve Cohen. Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey predicted Alonso would sign with the Texas Rangers.

“The Texas Rangers are an intriguing fit for Alonso,” wrote Tansey. “They aren’t afraid to go after big names in free agency and need an upgrade over Jake Burger at first base. Even if Alonso signs to be the designated hitter, he’d be an instant upgrade over what Joc Pederson and others provided in 2025. A heart of the order featuring Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Alonso would help Texas compete with the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the AL West.”

Alonso has hit 264 career home runs and has not missed a game in the last two years. There are concerns about his future at first base and whether he can carry his power profile into his mid-thirties. However, he is bound to get paid by some team.