The New York Mets have already shaken up the offseason with their blockbuster acquisition of Juan Soto, signing the superstar to an eye-popping 15-year, $765 million contract. However, another pressing issue looms for the Mets: who will man first base for the 2025 season?
Pete Alonso, a cornerstone of the franchise for six seasons, is a free agent for the first time in his career. Though his 2024 campaign wasn’t his strongest, the Mets appear keen on a reunion. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns recently reiterated the team’s interest in Alonso, saying, “We’d love to bring Pete back… Pete’s been a great Met. He had some enormous hits for us, and we’ll see where that goes.”
Alonso’s Legacy in Queens
Alonso’s tenure with the Mets has been nothing short of prolific. Over six seasons, he’s racked up 781 hits and 226 home runs, solidifying himself as one of the team’s most consistent power hitters. His ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display this past postseason, when his dramatic ninth-inning, go-ahead home run against the Milwaukee Brewers propelled the Mets to the NLDS.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Alonso has become a fan favorite and a respected leader in the clubhouse. Manager Carlos Mendoza echoed Stearns’ sentiments, voicing strong support for Alonso’s return.
“[It would] mean a lot, especially a guy like Pete… Everybody knows what he brings to the table. You know the power, quality at-bats. But his ability to post day in and day out, as a manager, that’s a really good feeling,” Mendoza said. “This is a homegrown kid… and it was a privilege for me to be able to write his name on the lineup.”
Weighing the Options
While Alonso is a priority for the Mets, they’re not short on alternatives. The free-agent market boasts several notable first basemen, including Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, and Josh Bell. Walker, in particular, has drawn interest from the Yankees, who value his defensive prowess and potentially lower price tag compared to Alonso.
For the Mets, however, Alonso’s age and consistent offensive production make him an attractive option despite his down year. At 30, Alonso is younger than many of his peers on the market and remains a significant power threat in any lineup.
Mets’ Future at First Base
The Mets’ aggressive moves this offseason have already bolstered their World Series odds, and addressing first base will be crucial to solidifying their roster. Stearns reassured fans that the team is actively working on a solution. “I’m confident that by Opening Day, we’ll have a starting first baseman,” he said.
Whether it’s a reunion with Pete Alonso or the arrival of a new face, the Mets’ approach to filling the void at first base will undoubtedly shape their pursuit of championship glory in 2025.
As rumors swirl, one thing remains clear: Carlos Mendoza and the Mets hold Alonso in the highest regard and are leaving the door wide open for his return to Queens.
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