Big contracts do not always highlight big decisions. When a star hits free agency, the expectation is simple, take the best deal. However, baseball is not just related to money—it is related to legacy, comfort and betting in a team’s future.
This offseason, Pete Alonso had scope to cash in with a bigger offer from a team desperate for offensive firepower. Instead, the talent focused on familiarity instead of fortune and opted for a shorter deal with the team he called home. That decision sent a message—not just related to his priorities but, related to what truly matters when choosing a team.
The Toronto Blue Jays were not messing around. The team put serious money on the table, trying to provide more than the two-year, $54 million deal Pete Alonso signed with the Mets. However, despite such a larger contract, Alonso chose to stay in New York. His reasoning was simple—he trusted in the Mets’ direction.
“Of course, you have to think and talk and think things over. But ultimately, this was the best decision, best place and best circumstances”, Alonso said. “Not just the history, but what we are doing with the future. It was a very easy decision”, he added.
The Mets made it clear that keeping him was a priority. Their 2024 season was not a good one—they finished 89-73 and missed the playoffs. Inconsistency and injuries plagued the team’s offense, however, despite the struggles, Alonso saw a future worth investing in.
Pairing him with Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo keeps the core of the Mets lineup intact. In addition, David Stearns and the team’s front office have been aggressive in reshaping the roster, focusing on a bounce-back season. Alonso’s contract also contains an opt-out—providing him flexibility if the team does not take the next step.
While the Jays offer was financially powerful, the team’s long-period outlook was not as clear-cut. The team has stars in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, along with a solid pitching staff, however, the Jays current postseason track record leaves room for doubt.
The Jays were swept in the AL Wild Card Series in 2022 and 2023. The team managed just one run across the 2 series combined. Their lineup has fought in big moments and Alonso could have questioned whether the team was truly on the brink of contention. The Blue Jays’ pitch was clear, be the missing piece. However, for Pete Alonso, it was not enough. The star needed clarity, not just a paycheck.
Despite the chaos of free agency, Pete Alonso never felt lost in the process. “There was not a moment when I was in the dark or wondering”, the star said. “For other people who did not see behind the curtain, that is where they say, Oh, it was a crazy offseason. No, it was not. For me, I could see the whole process, I had it all in front of me”.
While the Mets solidified their commitment to Pete Alonso, the Blue Jays have continued to grapple with their inability to land the star power they desperately seek.
Blue Jays’ struggles to land a star
The Blue Jays have been aggressive in recent years, chasing elite names to solidify their roster. However, time and again, the team has fallen short of landing that team-altering talent. Alonso’s decision to turn down a financially stable deal is just the latest in a string of near-misses for the team.
Justin Verlander reportedly considered joining in 2022 before coming back to the Astros. Cody Bellinger was on their target this previous off-season, but the conversation never materialized into a deal. Even Shohei Ohtani met with the team before selecting their division rival, the Dodgers. Most freshly, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki was heavily linked to Toronto, but he finally didn’t sign them.
The pattern highlights a vital question: Why do talents hesitate when it comes to Toronto? On paper, the Blue Jays have a tempting roster and a solid pitching staff. They’ve also made the playoffs in recent seasons. But factors beyond players seem to be working against them.
Winning sells, and the Blue Jays have not secured a postseason game since 2016. Some candidates may see Toronto as a team without a clear league trajectory, especially compared to teams with more compatible deep playoff runs.
While the Blue Jays are owned by Rogers Communications—an organization with deeper pockets—there are doubts about whether the front office is truly in the mood to spend big when it matters. Toronto has commonly been in the mix for top-tier free agents, only to come up short in final dialogues. Some analysts consider that the team is often used as leverage by free agents to drive up prices elsewhere rather than being a serious landing place.
There is also the reality of playing in Canada. Toronto is an amazing city with a heartfelt baseball fanbase. However, some stars hesitate because of aspects, like, higher taxes and the need for continuous border crossings. In addition, while global players could feel more comfortable transitioning to a larger American market, some might be less disposed to adapt to a different nation entirely.
The Blue Jays’ failures to land talent go beyond any single reason. It’s an amalgamation of inconsistent winning, financial hesitations, and the issues that come with being the solo MLB team in Canada. Pete Alonso’s decision to stay in New York, despite a higher offer from Toronto, only props up the idea that the franchise has work to do in making itself a true landing place for top-tier talent.
At some point, money itself will not be enough. The Blue Jays need to prove they are not just a finalist in free-agent bidding wars but a team that players truly want to call home. What are your thoughts on this?
The post Pete Alonso Reveals Why He Turned Down Blue Jays Despite Contract Offer Higher Than Mets 2Yr $54M Deal appeared first on EssentiallySports.
