There’s also the fact that the Mets shrewdly offered Alonso the qualifying offer. This made him less attractive to opposing teams because they’d lose a draft pick if they signed him. These negotiations and this prove-yourself contract could bring out the best in Alonso, who Stearns says is a “really motivated player right now.”

Pete Alonso, the top free-agent first baseman available this offseason, is going back to the Mets, the team announced Wednesday. It's a two-year deal for Alonso that is worth $54 million guaranteed. He will earn $30 million in the first year and the agreement includes an opt-out after that first season.

Pete Alonso and the New York Mets have finalized their $54 million, two-year contract on the same day spring training opened with the team’s first formal workout for pitchers and catchers.