Mets' Pete Alonso is demonstrating precisely why he is the player Juan Soto desired.

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Juan Soto had numerous inquiries for the New York Mets during his free agency discussions this past winter, one of which pertained to their lineup strategy. After spending the 2024 season in the Bronx as part of a historically effective duo often likened to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, Soto found himself in a unique position. He and Aaron Judge, the American League MVP, formed a challenging combination in the New York Yankees' batting order, with Soto batting second and Judge third. Their synergy allowed them to support one another while dominating opposing pitchers. Departing from the Yankees would mean leaving Judge behind, which was a crucial aspect of Soto's negotiations. "Who would be batting behind me?" Soto expressed to ESPN in Spanish on Tuesday.

The answer appeared evident: Pete Alonso was still a free agent. The first baseman, a homegrown talent cherished in Queens, was particularly significant for lineup construction as a right-handed power hitter. While he may not match Judge's caliber—who does?—he ranks just behind Judge in home runs since his debut in 2019, making him an ideal partner for Soto. "I told them he was the best option," Soto remarked. However, by late January, Alonso's return seemed increasingly unlikely. Mets owner Steve Cohen described the negotiations as "exhausting" and "worse" than those for Soto during a fan event at Citi Field. Although he left the possibility open, he also indicated that the organization was prepared to move on from the four-time All-Star, much to the disappointment of Mets fans present that day.

Less than two weeks later, just before spring training commenced, the two parties reached an agreement on a two-year contract with an opt-out clause after the current season. The 30-year-old Alonso transitioned from being perceived as part of the Mets' past to becoming a key protector of the franchise's $765 million investment. Two months into the 2025 season, the early results support Soto's assessment, with a notable instance occurring during Tuesday's victory over the Miami Marlins. With the Mets leading 6-5 and runners on the corners and one out in the sixth inning, Soto stepped up to bat as Marlins manager Clayton McCullough opted to bring in right-hander Ronny Henriquez. Despite having a runner on first base, the decision was made to intentionally walk Soto, a choice that was somewhat unconventional. This action loaded the bases for Alonso and set up a potential double play to end the inning, particularly with a right-handed matchup. However, McCullough made another unexpected move by bringing in both the infield and outfield. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed that he was not taken aback by the Marlins' choice to walk Soto.

I think it reaches a point where it's a matter of choosing your poison," Mendoza remarked. Just two pitches later, Alonso hit a 93-mph sinker into the left-center field gap, resulting in a bases-clearing triple that significantly widened the score on a chilly, windy afternoon in Queens. This marked Alonso's second double of the game; his first, a Texas Leaguer to right field in the third inning, contributed to the Mets' initial two runs. Serving as a key offensive player in the third spot, Alonso has been performing well, batting .333 with three home runs, 15 RBIs, and a 1.139 OPS in the team's first 12 games, following leadoff hitter Francisco Lindor and Soto.

"It appears that teams are trying to avoid letting Soto beat them," Mendoza noted. "And before they realize it, they end up making mistakes with Pete, who has been ready to capitalize on those opportunities."

Alonso is aiming to reverse a decline in offensive performance over the past three years, making improved swing decisions after experiencing the worst offensive season of his career in 2024. Although it is still early in the season, Alonso has been more selective, avoiding pitches outside the strike zone more frequently. He is also making solid contact with pitches in the strike zone at a higher rate. In the Mets' home opener on Friday, he hit a 95-mph fastball from Kevin Gausman that was low and out of the strike zone for a two-run home run to right field. Batting behind Soto, who boasts a .404 on-base percentage as a Met, has certainly eased his task at the plate.

"He's such a pro," Alonso said of Soto. "Obviously, we know he has power, he has the hit tool. He can hit for average. Super dynamic player offensively. But the thing that I really benefit from is just seeing -- because he sees a ton of pitches and just kind of seeing what they're doing to him, obviously, it really helps because they're trying to stay away from the middle of the zone with him and I can kind of take some mental notes with that."

With more pitches to Soto, the game's most disciplined hitter, comes more strain for pitchers. With more runners on base, comes more pitches -- and fastballs -- over the plate for Alonso to devour. It is a formula Soto envisioned over the winter. Whether it extends beyond this season remains unknown. There's no question he is popular with fans. During the Mets' home opener Friday, Citi Field roared for Alonso during pregame introductions. The fans did so again when he stepped into the batter's box for his first at-bat. And then once more, moments later, when he emerged from the dugout for a curtain call after hitting a two-run home run. This week, one option for replacing Alonso was taken off the board when first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500 million contract extension. Guerrero's contract should help Alonso's earning potential if he chooses, as expected, to opt out of his contract and hit free agency again this winter.

For now, in his seventh season, Alonso is thriving as the Mets' first baseman, hitting behind his team's most valuable player.

"That's why you want [protection] like that," Soto said. "First of all, to have the chance to do more damage and stuff. But whenever they don't want to pitch me, I know I have a guy behind me that could make it even worse for them."