Mets' slugger Pete Alonso addressed his lengthy free-agent process and whether he is extra motivated because of it.

The Mets are the only team Pete Alonso has played for since breaking into the majors in 2019. Alonso says that as much as he wanted to return to New York, hearing from management they wanted him back helped seal the deal.

According to Alonso, he never wanted to go anywhere else. “For me, this was it,” Alonso said. “I mean, throughout the entire off-season, we had the best dialogue from the Mets. And, like, that was it. For us, this was the best opportunity. And for me, I’m just really happy to be back.”

The Polar Bear has migrated south for spring training. Pete Alonso arrived at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. on Monday for the position players report date, with a full-squad workout on tap. Not long after reporting, Alonso made his way out to one of the fields to chat with a coach.

The only thing Pete Alonso seemed to be remorseful about was that his contract negotiations all winter with the New York Mets were “exhausting” for owner Steve Cohen. “Oh, well, sorry Steve,” Alonso said with a grin.

Alonso infamously turned down a 7-year, $158 million deal in 2023, a contract that would’ve been well above mar