The conclusion of the World Series marked the beginning of one of the most anticipated times in Major League Baseball.

Some of the most iconic names in MLB are now eligible to test the free agent market.

One of the most intriguing names on the free agent list is New York Mets first baseman, Pete Alonso.

With the exception of the pandemic shortened 2020 season, Alonso, 30, has hit 30 or more home runs in each year of his six year, big league career.

A three-time All Star, Alonso won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2019.

Here are Alonso’s home run and RBI totals in his career so far-all with the Mets:

2019-53 homers, 120 RBI

2020-16 homers, 35 RGI (pandemic year)

2021-37 homers, 94 RBI

2022-40 homers, 40 homers, 131 RBI

2023-46 homers, 118 RBI

2024-34 homers, 88 RBI

He may not hit for a high batting average, but those are game-changing statistics.

However, Alonso enters free agency with stiff competition for a hefty, long-term contract.

The list of eligible free agent hitters includes:

Juan Soto-OF-New York Yankees (age 26)

Willy Adames-SS-Milwaukee Brewers (age 29)

Alex Bregman-3B-Houston Astros (age 31

Anthony Santander-OF-Baltimore Orioles (age 30)

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The 2024 first base class will likely include St. Louis Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt, who at 37, is seven years older than Alonso.

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, 35, is also eligible for free agency.

Attractive 2024 Free Agent Class:

Alonso may become the subject of a bidding war among several major league clubs.

As evidenced by the number of game-altering homers in the recent MLB postseason, the home run is prized in Major League Baseball,

Some team owners have made resources available for the signing of consequential power hitters, capable of impacting the outcomes of games.

Granted, there are only a limited number of MLB owners willing to engage in long-term, high value contracts.

But there may always be a surprise team or two that enters free agent sweepstakes.

Clearly, Juan Soto will generate tremendous interest among MLB clubs.

But Soto and other hitters aren’t the only players competing for high value free agent contracts.

There is a long list of major league pitchers eligible for free agency.

Pitching is coveted by MLB teams.

Some of the most prominent potential free agent pitchers who do not have an option to opt out of a current contract, or without a player or team option for their services include:

Corbin Burnes-RHP-age 30

Max Fried-LHP-age 31

Jack Flaherty-RHP-age 29

Shane Bieber-RHP-age 30 (currently in rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery)

Quality pitchers will get their share of the free agent money.

Potential Landing Spots For Pete Alonso:

1-New York Mets:

Some analysts believe Alonso is looking for seven years, at $200 million. Or more.

It is likely the Mets will try to sign Alonso to a long-term contract. But at what price?

Or will they devote their resources to another player, like Soto? Or a pitcher such as Burnes?

Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown his willingness to pay top players in the game.

The success of their cross-town rival New York Yankees, may motivate Cohen to try to sign both Alonso and Soto, or more than one high value player.

2- Houston Astros

The Astros are a club with an unmet need at first base.

After releasing first baseman Jose Abreu during the season, the Astros have been left with a huge hole at the position.

Abreu is still owed $19.5 million by Houston in 2026.

Alonso may fit nicely at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

3- San Francisco Giants

The Giants have long tried to sign a consequential free agent to bolster their roster.

Alonso fills a Giants need at first base.

The Giants may have the financial resources to meet Alonso’s asking price.

However, hitters have shied away from signing with the Giants, as Oracle Park in San Francisco is a tough place to hit.

4- San Diego Padres

The Padres want to unseat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

The Padres have plenty of thunder in their offense, but Alonso may be a missing piece that gets them closer to defeating the Dodgers.

The Padres can move hitting machine Luis Arraez to the designated hitter role, and play Alonso at first base.

Conclusions:

With the World Series over, let the bidding begin for first baseman Pete Alonso.

Several teams may be attractive to the slugging first baseman, including the Mets, his current club.

Sluggers are highly coveted in Major League Baseball, and Alonso is a slugger.

A two-time winner of Home Run Derby during All Star week, Pete Alonso may have several attractive options from which to choose during his free agent exploration.