Mets Face Tough Offseason After Historic Collapse
Miami – The Mets’ 2025 season ended with an unprecedented collapse, marking the worst performance in the team’s history and one of the most significant failures in baseball overall. This setback will inevitably be part of the legacy for players and staff involved.
It’s certainly clear that next year’s roster will look quite different from this season’s.
“That’s really frustrating,” reflected Francisco Lindor after the team’s 4-0 loss to the Marlins at Loan Depot Park. “Regardless of what happens, the dynamics change. There are plenty of talented individuals in this organization.”
The offseason priorities are already shaping up, particularly concerning Pete Alonso, who has hinted at opting out of his contract, and Edwin Diaz, who is also contemplating a similar move.
For Alonso, this is his second time entering free agency, and he’s hoping it will yield better results than the last round.
Individually, Alonso had a strong season despite the team’s struggles. He set a franchise record for home runs and bounced back nicely from the previous year, achieving an OPS of .871—his best since his rookie season. With 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, he also led the majors in doubles with 41. There’s also something to be said for the personal growth he’s experienced over the years.
“I really enjoyed playing here. The people in this clubhouse are fantastic,” Alonso shared after a tough game. The most significant hit of his season, clocking in at 115.9 mph, didn’t change the outcome. “I was truly thankful for every opportunity, though nothing’s assured. You never know how things will unfold. I’m grateful for the moments I’ve had.”
This time, however, expectations are higher for Alonso’s market value, especially given his strong performance. Plus, he won’t face the burden of being slapped with a qualifying offer.
But the situation is a bit tricky as well. His age is a factor; he’ll turn 31 in December, which raises questions about how his swing will hold up moving forward. Concerns about his defensive skills also linger.
Alonso mentioned that finding a team with a real shot at a World Series will be his top priority in free agency.
“The bottom line is I want to win,” Alonso stated. “This season wasn’t what we envisioned, but I believe we had the right elements, and yet we fell short. I want to compete; I want to be at the top.”
Diaz’s situation is somewhat straightforward, at least in comparison. He’s coming off a stellar season with 28 saves and an impressive 1.63 ERA. However, he still has $37 million left on his two-year contract, along with club options worth $17.25 million for 2028.
He tested the market before securing a five-year, $122 million deal with the Mets in November 2022. Now, he plans to head back to Puerto Rico to discuss his future with his family. Even if he opts out, he has expressed interest in returning to the team.
“I really care for this organization,” remarked the 31-year-old. “They’ve consistently treated me incredibly well.”
