New York Mets Fans React in Shock as David Stearns Makes Surprising Statement Announcing that First Baseman Pete Alonso Has Been Made Available for Trade
New York, NY – May 11, 2025 — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Mets fanbase and the entire baseball world, New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns made a stunning announcement today: All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso has officially been made available for trade.
During a press conference at Citi Field early Monday morning, Stearns confirmed ongoing internal discussions and stated that the organization is now “open to exploring all options” involving Alonso, who has been the face of the franchise since his breakout rookie season in 2019.
“This was not an easy decision,” Stearns said. “Pete has been a tremendous player for us and a fan favorite. But as we look to build a sustainable, long-term winner, we have to consider every avenue. That includes listening to offers on players who are nearing free agency, even someone as impactful as Pete.”
The announcement comes as a major surprise to fans, especially considering Alonso’s strong start to the 2025 season. The 30-year-old slugger is currently batting .273 with 11 home runs and 28 RBIs through 37 games. A free agent at the end of the season, Alonso has repeatedly stated his desire to remain in New York and win a championship with the Mets.
“I love it here. I want to stay. That hasn’t changed,” Alonso said following the press conference. “But I understand this is a business. Whatever happens, happens. I’ll keep playing hard and doing my job.”
Mets fans took to social media almost instantly, with reactions ranging from confusion and disbelief to outright anger.
“Trading Pete Alonso would be the dumbest move the Mets have made in years,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He IS the Mets.”
Another post read, “David Stearns, you better know what you’re doing. Alonso is the heart of this team.”
Local sports talk radio was flooded with callers voicing their frustration. One longtime fan, calling into WFAN, said, “If they trade Pete, I’m done with this team. He’s the only reason to watch right now.”
Yet, some fans and analysts expressed cautious optimism. Baseball insider Jon Heyman noted, “This doesn’t mean a trade is imminent. It means the Mets are being realistic. Alonso’s contract is up, and if they don’t think they can re-sign him, getting value now might be the smartest move.”
Stearns emphasized that any potential deal would have to bring back “substantial and controllable talent,” hinting that the Mets are looking toward a future window of contention rather than focusing solely on the 2025 season. The team currently sits fourth in the NL East with a 17–20 record, struggling to find consistency on the mound and at the plate.
Several teams are expected to show interest in Alonso, including the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros — all of whom could use a powerful bat in the middle of their lineup and have the prospects to get a deal done.
However, trading Alonso could also signal a broader retooling of the Mets roster, especially under the relatively new leadership of Stearns, who was hired last offseason with a mandate to reshape the club’s identity and build a more sustainable model of success.
“You don’t make a player like Alonso available lightly,” Stearns reiterated. “But if we’re to be responsible stewards of this organization, we have to consider the big picture. That sometimes means making difficult decisions.”
Still, for many Mets fans, the emotional weight of potentially losing a homegrown star is hard to bear. Alonso, affectionately nicknamed “Polar Bear” by fans, has hit over 200 career home runs in a Mets uniform, including a rookie record 53 in 2019. He has been a leader both on and off the field, regularly involved in community efforts and known for his passionate approach to the game.
Some speculate that the announcement could also be a strategic ploy to pressure Alonso’s camp into accelerating contract talks, as reports had surfaced earlier this spring that extension negotiations had stalled.
“If the Mets are using this as leverage, it’s a bold strategy,” one agent said anonymously. “But it could backfire if the player feels betrayed.”
As the trade deadline looms in late July, all eyes will be on Queens. For now, Pete Alonso remains a Met — but for how long remains the question on every fan’s mind.