Opting for the Fun of It

"Pete Alonso didn't hesitate after the final frustrating game of a frustrating season ultimately torpedoed by frustrating losses. He was asked if he planned to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract in order to test the open market, and he said yes. Edwin Diaz wasn't quite so quick on the withdraw; he'd have to discuss it with his family, he said, but he sure as hell didn't immediately rule out becoming a free agent. Eventually, Edwin joined Pete in declaring his availability."

"Back on September 28, following the defeat to the Marlins that ensured the Mets would have nothing to do with the 2025 World Series, neither Met evinced any hard feelings toward the club they've helped define since 2019, let alone an overwhelming desire to bolt. Pete affirmed he's "loved being a Met," while Edwin insisted, "I love this organization." Their sincere affection notwithstanding, they are professionals who have business decisions to make. If business brings them back, that will be swell."

""They've been great representatives of the organization," David Stearns said at November's General Manager Meetings, the precursor to December's winter meetings. "We'd love to have them both back." Implicit in our POBO's benign endorsement was having them back could happen if the price, encompassing length and dollars, is right from a Met perspective. If front office executives didn't have to worry about such matters, there wouldn't be much need for them to meet multiple times per offseason."

Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz filed their contract opt-outs three days after the World Series, signaling potential entry into free agency. Both players expressed affection for the Mets while acknowledging business considerations that could lead them elsewhere. On September 28, Alonso said he had "loved being a Met" and Díaz said "I love this organization," but both emphasized the need to make professional decisions. Mets president David Stearns praised both as great representatives and said the club would like them back if contract length and dollars align with team priorities. The season was marked by frustration and a lack of singular performances to lift the team.

Read at Faithandfearinflushing