On November 20, 2006, the New York Mets signed Alou to a one-year contract worth $7.5 million with a club option for . After hitting .318 in his first month as the regular left fielder, Alou suffered a torn quadriceps muscle and was forced out until August. Upon his return, Alou led the Mets with a .345 batting average and had a 30-game hitting streak. The streak was the longest streak of the season, was the longest hitting streak by a player over age 40, and broke the Mets' overall and single-season hitting streak records.