As the 2025 MLB season barrels toward its climax, the New York Mets are bracing for a seismic shift in their roster. Star first baseman Pete Alonso, affectionately dubbed the “Polar Bear,” is widely expected to opt out of his current two-year, $54 million contract this offseason, which includes a player option after the first year. This move would thrust Alonso back into free agency, setting the stage for a high-stakes bidding war that could reshape the landscape of Major League Baseball.
Alonso’s free agency last winter didn’t quite go as planned. The 30-year-old power-hitting first baseman was seeking a lucrative, long-term deal, but the market proved lukewarm. Many attribute this to his age and position—power-hitting first basemen often face regression in their early-to-mid-thirties, making teams hesitant to commit long-term. Despite the setback, Alonso has roared back in 2025 with a career-defining season, smashing home runs and posting stellar numbers that are sure to drive up his value when free agency talks heat up.
https://t.co/AmwElTCSt9. MLB notes: Jury’s out on Juan Soto’s crosstown move (so far both teams were better when Juan was in the Bronx). But here are two NY stars who hold some interest for the other team in town
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 15, 2025
The Mets are all but certain to make a strong push to re-sign their homegrown slugger. However, whispers of a shocking twist have emerged, linking Alonso to their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. In an August 14 article, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman dropped a bombshell, highlighting a surprising connection between Alonso and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. Both hail from Tampa, Florida, and share an alma mater, the University of Florida. While this connection might seem trivial, it’s enough to spark speculation about whether the Yankees could make a play for the Polar Bear.
The Yankees were aggressive in their pursuit of a first baseman last offseason, ultimately landing Paul Goldschmidt. Yet, their long-term plans may hinge on 26-year-old Ben Rice, who has enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign. Rice’s 17 home runs and .788 OPS signal that he’s ready to take over as the everyday first baseman in 2026. This development casts doubt on the likelihood of the Yankees pursuing Alonso, despite his ties to Steinbrenner. It’s hard to imagine the Yankees’ owner instructing GM Brian Cashman to splurge on Alonso solely based on their shared Tampa roots and college pride.
While the Alonso-Steinbrenner connection makes for juicy headlines, a move to the Bronx seems improbable. The Yankees’ faith in Ben Rice, combined with their recent investment in Goldschmidt, suggests they’re set at first base. For Mets fans, this is a silver lining: if Alonso does leave Flushing, he’s unlikely to don pinstripes. Instead, the Polar Bear may find himself leaving New York altogether, with other MLB teams eager to capitalize on his resurgent 2025 performance.