First baseman Pete Alonso has left in free agency, signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles. Alonso, the franchise leader in home runs, had one of the best performances of his career in 2025, posting a .272/.347/.524 batting line with 38 home runs and a National League high 41 doubles.
His departure leaves a significant hole in what had been a top-heavy lineup. While it will be difficult to replace Alonso’s production, the Mets must find an answer if they want to compete for a playoff spot. Otherwise it will be another long winter in Queens.
Let’s take a look at three options for the Mets as they look for an answer at first base.
Three possible options for the New York Mets to initially fill the void
1. The internal candidates
The Mets were in a similar situation during the 2024-2025 offseason before Alonso re-signed in New York. Former third base prospects were considered Mark Vientos and Brett Baty possible replacements Alonso had signed elsewhere. Like Vientos has some experience Initially, he could be an option at the position again.
Another possible option is utility man Jeff McNeil. Although McNeil initially had only three innings of experience during his Major League career, Tim Healy of the Boston Globe reports this that the Mets are considering him as an option. He would form a platoon first, with Healy further reporting that Paul Goldschmidt has been discussed internally to pair with McNeil.
2. Add one of the NPB’s seeded third basemen and move him to first base
With Alonso no longer active, the free agent pool has initially thinned out drastically. Ryan O’Hearn would be the best optionbut he has split his time between the leadoff spot, the outfield and the designated hitter spot throughout his career. Other possible options have significant shortcomings and would result in a drastic drop in production.
There are two other possible options. NPB third basemen Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto have questions about their ability to handle the hot corner at the Major League level and could move to first base. Both players have initial experience – Okamoto with 478 matches and Murakami with 266 appearances – in their NPB careers. The Mets will have to outbid the competition, and while the Dodgers loom as a possible destination, either player could be a solid replacement for Alonso.
3. An intriguing trading option
The Mets could also look to the trade block. Incumbent Orioles first basemen Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo could be available with Alonso in the fold. Both players have question marks: Mountcastle has failed to repeat the 33 home runs he hit in 2021, while Mayo has major concerns about strikeouts.
The Mets best option could be to make a deal with the rebuilding Cardinals. John Denton of MLB.com reported this that the Mets have reached out regarding first baseman Willson Contreras. While he doesn’t have the same power as Alonso, Contreras has been a solid power forward, with six seasons with at least 20 home runs.
#options #York #Mets #base