Francisco Lindor opens up on Pete Alonso’s impact on team and possible extension with Mets

The New York Mets signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a two-year, $54 million deal in the offseason. In the first year, Alonso will earn $30 million, after which he can opt out of the contract and test free agency.

With the way he's performing in 2025, Alonso is making a strong case for the Mets to hand him an extension. After 270 plate appearances in 72 games, Alonso is hitting .293 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs.

On Tuesday's episode of "The Show," host Joel Sherman asked Mets star Francisco Lindor about Alonso and his future with the team. Lindor mentioned that at this point, it seems more and more likely that Alonso will opt out of the contract.

“I mean, he’s pretty likely to opt out at this point with the year that he’s having," Lindor said (33:05 onwards). "How much does he mean to this team? He means a lot to us. I was happy he came back—he makes our team better. He lengthens our lineup. The way he's playing this year is incredible.

"Super happy for him. And throughout the negotiations, you know, it’s one of those where the team gave what they felt was the best effort they could give. And Pete, in all his rights, wanted to make sure he made the best decision for himself and his family."

Lindor added that Pete Alonso has every right to think what's best for him and his family and make the most money as any player would.

Pete Alonso gets real on potentially spending entire career with Mets

Thus far, Pete Alonso has played for only one team, and that is the New York Mets. Last offseason, he came close to signing with another team, but the stars aligned for him to return.

Now that he's having another great season, the Mets might consider giving him an extension. The prospect of playing for only one team makes the first baseman feel honored.

“That could be awesome. It’s really rare for a guy to spend his whole career with one team — I mean, I’ve thought about it, for sure,” Alonso said via the New York Post. “But the business side of things has to work out for that. I love playing here. It’s awesome. I hope that the business side works out to be that way.”

While the first baseman hopes it turns out to be the case, if he gets a better deal elsewhere, he might opt to leave New York in free agency.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Brad Taningco