Pete Alonso was born at the wrong time. For over 100 years, home run hitters were the highest-paid players in the game—defense, baserunning and ability to hit for average not required. Ralph Kiner, a prototype,

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that first baseman Pete Alonso is staying with the New York Mets, agreeing to a $54 million, two-year contract.

After hitting 34 homers with a .788 OPS in 2024, Alonso entered this offseason as the No. 8 player on The Athletic’s Free Agent Big Board.