BOSTON, MA – Boston Red Sox fans hoping to see “The Polar Bear” Pete Alonso launch home runs over the Green Monster in 2026 received a major confidence boost this week. A prominent MLB insider has voiced quiet skepticism about the likelihood of Alonso re-signing with the New York Mets, emphasizing that a reunion is “not a guarantee whatsoever.”
The Mets’ first baseman is one of the top offensive free agents available, and the Red Sox have consistently been named one of the strongest potential suitors for the five-time All-Star.
The Good News: Mets are Ready to Move On
During an appearance on the Foul Territory program, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale asserted that the Mets are prepared to walk away from their franchise home run leader if his contract demands exceed their comfort level.
“It’s not a guarantee that Pete Alonso is back with the Mets,” Nightengale said. “They’re saying the right things, but if he gets a good offer out there, we’ll see if they want to match it or not. I don’t think there’s any guarantee whatsoever that Pete Alonso is back.”
This sentiment is the latest Pete Alonso update that the Red Sox front office and fanbase wanted to hear. It confirms that despite the mutual interest in a reunion, Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns remains focused on budget efficiency and run prevention, which complicates giving a long-term, high-value contract to a player whose defense at first base is considered below average.
Red Sox Positioned for an “All-Out Pursuit”
The Red Sox’s need for a right-handed power bat is undeniable, especially after the trade of Rafael Devers and the free agency of Alex Bregman. With significant payroll flexibility, Boston is perfectly positioned to capitalize if the Mets balk at Alonso’s price tag (projected to be around 5 years, $140 million to $185 million).
MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has previously stated he views the Red Sox as the “strongest contender” to pull Alonso away from the Mets, saying the Red Sox will either re-sign Bregman or “make an all-out pursuit” for Alonso.
Alonso’s openness to splitting time at designated hitter (DH) makes him an ideal fit for the Red Sox, who could rotate him with Triston Casas at first base.
The door for the Red Sox to land one of baseball’s premier power hitters is now wide open, making the coming weeks of free agency critical for the club’s offseason goals.
