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MIAMI (AP) — Pete Alonso has decided to opt out of his contract with the New York Mets and will enter free agency once more, the All-Star first baseman announced on Sunday following the team’s missed playoff opportunity.
Last offseason, Alonso explored the free agency market before ultimately choosing to remain with the franchise that drafted him from Florida in 2016. He signed a $54 million, two-year deal in February, which includes a $30 million payout next year alongside a $24 million player option.
Alonso expressed his desire to return to the Mets but emphasized his aim to achieve a championship title.
“There are some incredible individuals in this clubhouse and on the staff,” he stated. “Every day was a pleasure to come and wear orange and blue. I’m truly thankful and full of gratitude.”
“I enjoyed connecting with everyone, and I hope they value me in the same way I value them.”
At 30 years old, Alonso received his fifth All-Star selection this season. He posted a career-best .272 batting average with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a career-high 41 doubles.
During the season, he also broke the Mets’ franchise home run record, surpassing Daryl Strawberry’s previous mark of 252.
“The main thing for me is to win,” Alonso remarked. “Although it didn’t happen this year, we had the right pieces, but we fell short. At the season’s outset, we aimed for a championship at the end. For me, it’s all about reaching the top. I want to win the World Series.”
The Mets went into their regular season finale on Sunday needing a win in Milwaukee and a loss by Cincinnati to secure a playoff spot.
However, New York could not recover from four innings pitched by the Marlins, concluding their postseason hopes with a 4-0 defeat.
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AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/mlb
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Source: apnews.com