Even when it looked as though the Mets were ready to move on from the Polar Bear, a reunion never felt far off.

With Pete Alonso's contract official David Stearns could address what it took to get a deal and the impact he can have in a lineup led by Juan Soto.

For much of the offseason, Alonso’s return was no guarantee. At points, Stearns said, he thought “there was a very real possibility that he was going to end up elsewhere.” Cohen described the talks as “exhausting” in late January, adding “I don’t like what’s been presented to us.”

PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets can expect a “motivated” Pete Alonso this season. David Stearns, the team’s president of baseball operations, used that description of the slugging first baseman Wednesday after Alonso’s two-year contract worth $54 million for a return to the Mets became official.

New York Mets' president David Stearns discusses Pete Alonso's determination to win a World Series and his motivation to reach previous performance le

With Alonso back in the fold, the Mets enter 2025 as one of several teams vying for the World Series in a tough National League.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns explained how excited the club is to re-sign Pete Alonso, as the slugger's new two-year contract was made official on Wednesday.

David Stearns expressed his satisfaction over the $54 Million re-signing of Pete Alonso, which solidifies the Mets' roster for the upcoming season. St

The former Plant High standout says hearing from Mets management that it wanted him back helped seal the deal.

Pete Alonso’s agent Scott Boras “didn’t say a freakin’ word the whole time,” during contract negotiations with Steve Cohen and David Stearns.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The most formidable front-office duo this side of the Mississippi beat super-agent Scott Boras during the negotiations that finally delivered Pete Alonso back to his adoring Flushing fan base. Eventually, it will be the Dodgers’ turn in the crosshairs.

Pete Alonso discusses meeting with Steve Cohen and David Stearns to sign back with the Mets, the energy of the 2024 postseason, Juan Soto and more