MLB analyst claims Christian Walker's $60,000,000 Astros deal helps Mets acquire Pete Alonso

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso remains available on the free-agent market, even as fellow first baseman Christian Walker signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Houston Astros on Friday.

MLB analyst David Lennon believes this development could work in the Mets’ favor in their efforts to re-sign Alonso. Lennon speculated that Walker might have drawn more suitors and secured a larger contract, but his deal with the Astros suggests that teams may be unwilling to meet Alonso's desired price. This, Lennon noted, might push Alonso to return to the Mets.

David Lennon an award-winning baseball columnist for Newsday Sports, shared his thoughts during an appearance on SNY Network on Friday evening.

"If you told us when this off-season began that Christian Walker was going to get three (years) for $60 (million), I'd have thought that the Mets and the Yankees would be brawling over this guy," he said. "The only thing against him, the knock, is his age. But, otherwise, I think the numbers for this market are really light. We all thought he was going to be better than that."

"Here's the caveat to it," he continued. "I have to say it's not that bad of a miss for the Mets. It means Pete's going to be on the low side. And that means another opportunity, especially for the Mets."

At 33, Christian Walker is three years older than Alonso, but he posted stronger overall numbers in 2024. Both were considered the premier first basemen in this offseason’s free-agent market.

Subpar 2024 campaign for Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso had his least productive year at the plate in 2024 (Image Source: Imagn)

Thus far, the New York Mets have been the only team Alonso has played for in his MLB career. Drafted by the Mets in 2016, Alonso made his debut in 2019, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors after hitting 53 home runs —an MLB record for a rookie.

Since then, Alonso has been one of the most consistent power hitters in the game, though he has yet to surpass his rookie home run tally. However, 2024 marked his least productive season, a downturn that comes just as he enters free agency.

Despite earning an All-Star selection, Pete Alonso hit .240/.329/.459 with an OPS of .788 and 34 home runs — both career lows in his six-year tenure.