Pete Alonso is set to return to the New York Mets, as reported by Andy Martino of SNY. The deal, which spans two years, includes an opt-out clause after the next season, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Alonso is slated to earn $30 million next season, with a total guarantee of $54 million, including a $10 million signing bonus, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This means Alonso will have a $24 million player option for 2026.

Alonso’s return marks his seventh season with the Mets, a team he has been a cornerstone of since his impressive debut. In 2019, Alonso led the majors with 53 home runs, earning him the Rookie of the Year title and setting the all-time rookie home run record. Despite a shortened follow-up season, he has consistently hit over 30 home runs in each of the last four years.

Alonso’s durability is as remarkable as his power. He has played at least 152 games in each of his five full seasons, including all 162 games last year. His only stint on the injured list was in 2019 due to a bone bruise in his left wrist. Over the past six seasons, only Marcus Semien has played more games, with Semien and Freddie Freeman being the only hitters with more plate appearances.

However, Alonso’s production has seen a decline in recent years. His batting average and on-base percentage have dropped, with career-low marks in 2023. Despite hitting 46 home runs in 2023, his average and OBP were at their lowest, and his power production decreased last season. Alonso hit .240 with a .329 OBP and a career-low .459 slugging percentage across 695 plate appearances. His 34 home runs and 88 RBIs were personal worsts over a full schedule.

Despite these challenges, Alonso remains a valuable player. His offensive production, while below his early-career level, is still 21 percentage points better than league average, as measured by wRC+. Among first basemen with at least 750 plate appearances over the past two seasons, Alonso ranks ninth in overall offense.

Alonso ended the year on a high note, saving the Mets’ season in the Wild Card series with a three-run shot off Devin Williams in Game 3. He hit four home runs in October and slashed .273/.431/.568 across 58 postseason plate appearances. However, his regular season performance impacted his free agency prospects.

Initially, Alonso aimed for a nine-figure deal, similar to the contracts of Matt Olson and Freddie Freeman. Olson signed an eight-year, $168 million extension with the Braves, while Freeman secured a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers. At one point, the Mets offered Alonso a seven-year, $158 million extension, which he declined in June 2023. Alonso made $20.5 million in his last arbitration year, so he would need to exceed $137.5 million over the next six seasons to come out ahead in that decision.