Since re-signing with the New York Mets, Pete Alonso has been settling back into his familiar role. However, discussions from his eventful free agency period continue to surface, revealing insights into teams that had interest in acquiring him before he ultimately decided to return to Queens.
One notable team that explored the possibility of signing Alonso was the Philadelphia Phillies. According to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Phillies “checked in” on Alonso while he was still a free agent. This aligns with comments made by Philadelphia superstar Bryce Harper in a recent interview with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Harper openly acknowledged that he was willing to shift back to the outfield if it meant the Phillies could land another first baseman. In fact, he specifically named Alonso as someone the team had discussed acquiring. Harper’s statement indicated his strong desire to help Philadelphia improve by making himself as versatile as possible.
“When Pete (Alonso) was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’” Harper told Rosenthal. “When we talked about it, I kind of just reiterated to (the Phillies) and Scott (Boras) that I’m willing to move out there if it’s going to help us. I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there.”
Had the Phillies successfully pursued Alonso, it would have led to a significant reshuffling of their defensive alignment. With Harper moving back to the outfield, recent free agent signee Max Kepler would likely have seen a reduced role, potentially shifting to a bench position. The Phillies’ outfield alignment would have needed further adjustments, with either Harper or Nick Castellanos—both primarily right fielders—transitioning into left field. Additionally, there would have been a possibility of rotating Kyle Schwarber between left field and designated hitter duties, ensuring at-bats for all key players while optimizing the defensive structure.
Philadelphia wasn’t the only team that explored acquiring Alonso. The Toronto Blue Jays were another known suitor that extended a contract offer before the first baseman opted to return to the Mets. Other teams linked to Alonso, though with varying levels of interest, included the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and Washington Nationals.
Despite experiencing a down year by his standards in 2024, Alonso still managed to earn his fourth All-Star selection. Across 162 games, he posted a .240 batting average, launched 34 home runs, and tallied 88 RBIs. His OPS stood at.788, and he accumulated a 2.6 WAR—a statistical performance that, while lower than some of his peak years, remained impactful.
Since bursting onto the scene as the National League Rookie of the Year in 2019, Alonso has established himself as one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball. Across six seasons, he has maintained a career batting average of.249 and an OPS of.854. His power numbers are especially impressive—his 226 home runs and 586 RBIs over that span are the highest among all National League players.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, projections from Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA system offer an interesting outlook for Alonso’s Mets and the Phillies. The model predicts that New York will finish with a 91-71 record, securing the top National League Wild Card spot. Meanwhile, the Phillies are projected to post an 86-76 record, placing them just outside of the playoff picture as the first team to miss the cut.
While Alonso ultimately remained with the Mets on a two-year, $54 million contract signed in early February, the rumors surrounding his free agency highlight just how valuable he remains in today’s game. The fact that multiple teams—especially a division rival like Philadelphia—considered him a major asset speaks volumes about his impact.
Had Alonso signed with the Phillies, it would have created significant ripple effects not only for Philadelphia’s lineup but also for the balance of power in the National League East. The Mets-Phillies rivalry, already intense, would have taken on another dimension with Alonso switching sides.
From Philadelphia’s perspective, adding Alonso would have brought additional power and depth to an already potent lineup. With the likes of Harper, Castellanos, Schwarber, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies are not lacking offensive firepower, but Alonso’s presence would have further cemented their status as one of the most feared batting orders in baseball. His ability to drive in runs and provide protection for Harper in the lineup could have been a game-changer.
For the Mets, retaining Alonso ensures that their cornerstone slugger remains in the fold for at least the next two seasons. His leadership and ability to produce in clutch moments are qualities that New York values as they aim to remain competitive in a highly contested division.
Beyond the statistics and projections, Alonso’s free agency saga serves as a reminder of how player movements—or even the mere possibility of them—can shape the dynamics of Major League Baseball. While he ultimately stayed put, the idea of him wearing Phillies red instead of Mets blue was, for a time, a very real consideration.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Mets and Phillies will once again find themselves battling for supremacy in the National League East. The Phillies may not have landed Alonso, but their willingness to explore the possibility underscores their commitment to fielding the best possible roster. Meanwhile, the Mets will be hoping that Alonso rebounds from his relatively modest 2024 season and returns to the elite form that made him one of baseball’s most dangerous sluggers.
In the grand scheme of things, Alonso’s decision to stay in New York could prove to be a defining moment for both the Mets and Phillies. Whether or not it leads to postseason success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his presence in Queens keeps the Mets firmly in the conversation as a contender, while leaving the Phillies to ponder what might have been.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Alonso can live up to expectations and if the Phillies’ decision to pass on acquiring him was the right move. In baseball, as in life, the choices made in the offseason often have lasting implications—and Alonso’s free agency journey is a prime example of just that.
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