Mets projected to sign $242 million star if it misses on Juan Soto

The New York Mets will be the most interesting team to watch this winter once the postseason comes to an end.

New York nabbed a playoff spot on the final day of the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season. The Mets overcame a rough beginning of the season but was one of the best teams in baseball throughout the summer and now is just one win away from taking down the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card round.

There's a lot to like about the Mets, and it will be an even more interesting winter. New York has more money to spend than anyone else and will be in the mix for some superstars this winter. It already has been reported that the Mets could be in the mix for New York Yankees star Juan Soto or Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes.

New York will have a tough decision to make about one of its own free agents, too. Pete Alonso will be a free agent, and the club will make a decision about him this winter. It's unclear if he will return to the Mets this winter, but Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston predicted that he will re-sign if Soto doesn't come to the Mets.

"It feels like Pete Alonso has been on his way out of New York for the last two seasons," Beaston said. "Last year, amid a horrendously disappointing season for the Mets, his name was constantly in trade talks, with some expecting him to be dealt in a fire sale at the deadline. That did not happen, and Alonso remained, with the understanding that he would be a free agent after the 2024 season.

"An unexpected Mets playoff run under new manager Carlos Mendoza has extended the team's season, but the dark cloud of Alonso's future still hovers overhead. Will the face of the franchise remain with the organization on a new contract, or will he take his mighty bat elsewhere? If the Mets sign Soto, the likelihood that they bring Alonso back greatly diminishes...Prediction: Alonso remains in New York, but only if Soto rejoins the Yankees in 2025."

It would be devastating if Alonso were to leave the Mets. It doesn't sound like it's going to happen.

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