The Polar Bear is back on the free agent market, and the Mets may not fully pursue him this time.

Last offseason, Pete Alonso, known as the Polar Bear, was seen as a major free agent likely to land a generous long-term contract, yet he ultimately waited until early February 2025, just before spring training, to agree to a two-year, $54 million deal with the Mets under deadline pressure.

After delivering an impressive performance in the 2025 season, Alonso recently chose not to exercise his 2026 player option, opting to test free agency again. However, this time, not only is it uncertain whether other teams will offer a big contract, but it’s also unclear if the Mets will make a strong effort to retain their power-hitting first baseman.

Turning 31 in early December, Alonso played all 162 games for the Mets in 2025, posting a .272 batting average, 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a .871 OPS. His batting average was a career single-season best, and his RBIs and OPS were second only to his rookie year, proving his worth to teams that hesitated to offer him a deal last offseason. Yet, after such a strong season, will he still have the Mets as a viable option when testing free agency again?

According to Sports Illustrated reporter Pat Ragazzo, the Mets’ stance this offseason is likely to be "unless Alonso agrees to a team-friendly contract," they will let him walk.

Ragazzo explained, "Alonso will receive substantial offers on the free agent market, but whether the Mets are willing to commit to a long-term deal for the soon-to-be 31-year-old first baseman remains to be seen."

A key factor is that another notable free agent, Cody Bellinger of the New York Yankees, who is also opting out of his player option, is available. Younger by about six months than Alonso, Bellinger can play first base plus all three outfield positions. He also improved his 2025 stats compared to 2024, hitting .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and a .813 OPS. Combining offensive power with defensive versatility, Bellinger is expected to attract interest from multiple MLB teams.

It is reported that the Mets will pursue Bellinger this offseason, making Alonso’s destination for the 2026 season a major topic of speculation.