There’s no hiding the frustration that hung over the Mets’ clubhouse this season. A $342 million payroll and still one heartbreaking game short of the playoffs—yet one player rose above the disappointment: Pete Alonso. Now, as the Mets’ Polar Bear steps into free agency this winter, the league is buzzing with speculation about where one of baseball’s most loved hitters might land next. “He’s one of the best power hitters of this generation… I hope we have more moments to come,” Mets’ Juan Soto told Mike Puma of the New York Post, summing up the sentiment of many in Queens.

Alonso opted out of the two-year, $54 million deal he signed last winter with the Mets, which was already far less than what he had been expected to receive after turning down the seven-year offer from the team in 2023. And once again, as he hits free agency, he might be looking for another home away from the only franchise he has known in Major League Baseball. Even though reports suggest that the Mets and Alonso have already begun discussions, nothing has been finalized yet. But according to Jon Heyman, they are off to a better start in negotiations than last year, which is encouraging news for New York.

“The Mets have opened talks with Pete Alonso, and at least on the surface, there seems to be a better feeling around those talks this year than last,” Heyman wrote.

But his agent, Scott Boras, will not make things easy for the Mets, who will be opening the door for all the teams knocking with big numbers and glossy offers. Even though the Mets stumbled this season, Alonso’s performance didn’t. The 32-year-old first baseman finished with a .272/.347/.524 slash line, 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a career-high 41 doubles. Playing all 162 games, he looks stronger and fresher than he did in 2024. His wRC+ (141) and fWAR (3.6) only strengthen his negotiating position when teams start drawing up their playbooks.

According to reports, there are three most likely landing spots for the Mets’ five-time All-Star.

Even after acquiring Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor under their payroll this offseason, the Seattle Mariners are in a pickle as both are now entering free agency. To back their Big Dumper, Cal Raleigh, the Mariners now have the perfect candidate in Alonso. Having finished as one of the stronger contenders in the American League this season, he could be the missing piece they need.

Then there are the Rangers, who have a significant amount of payroll committed for 2026 but may have one of the oldest rosters in MLB. After winning the 2023 World Series, the last two seasons slipped by without anything major working in their favor. Though they closed a deal for Jake Burger, missing the playoffs for the second straight year was not the outcome they expected. Adding Alonso—the Mets’ all-time home run leader—could be a massive boost for a team that desperately needs more power.

He could also be the veteran presence the young Red Sox clubhouse needs. There may be an opening in Boston at first base, as Triston Casas struggled throughout the season and continues recovering from injury heading into the 2026 campaign. Scott Boras will also explore Alonso’s potential as a DH, and Fenway Park could become his new home if Boston plays its cards right.

Not only these three, but several more teams will be in line as front offices weigh every possibility—and as Alonso looks for the perfect ground to pick up right from where he left off.