MLB reporter warns Mets of Juan Soto doomsday season after failing to re-sign Pete Alonso

Hunter Cookston

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MLB reporter warns Mets of Juan Soto doomsday season after failing to re-sign Pete Alonso image

The New York Mets are coming off one of the most shocking collapses in recent memory, going from the best team in the league to completely missing the playoffs. On Tuesday, the Mets lost closer Edwin Díaz, and on Wednesday, Pete Alonso signed a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, ending his tenure as a Met.

“First baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Alonso, after failing to get the long-term deal that he coveted, made $30 million with the New York Mets in 2025 and was worth every penny as he rebounded to slash.272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, batting behind Juan Soto for the first time. However, the Mets did not make Alonso an offer, sources confirmed to ESPN,” ESPN wrote.

Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns believes the team is still in a strong position this offseason.

“I also understand that our fans naturally have an attachment, as we do as well have an attachment, to players who have been here and have performed here for a long time. And we do take that into account, and it is part of the decisions that we have made,” he said. “We also have to be very cognizant of making the decisions that are going to allow us to compete now and also fit in with the future years when we want to consistently be a World Series-caliber team and World Series-caliber organization.”

However, the biggest loser in this scenario is Juan Soto, who no longer has a power bat protecting him in the lineup.

“You’ve now paid, unless you get a bat, Juan Soto to walk 150 times a year,” MLB Network’s Ron Darling said on air.

Soto joined the Mets expecting the core to remain intact, but it doesn’t appear the team made any attempt to keep its longest-tenured player. While Soto will still be a force in the lineup, the lack of big bats around him means opposing teams may pitch around him.

Unless the Mets acquire another power hitter, Soto could face a difficult 2026 season. The team now also has significant holes at the back end of the bullpen and at first base.

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