With several big-name free agents still out on the market, we may have learned a glimpse into the future between Pete Alonso and the New York Mets.
According to SNY reporter Andy Martino, league sources have indicated that it’s unlikely Alonso will re-sign with the Mets. It’s expected that he will be headed elsewhere in free agency.
The decision to move on from Alonso — if it indeed happens — will be a tough one for Mets fans. Alonso has been the face of the franchise since making his MLB debut in 2019. The four-time all-star has clubbed a whopping 226 HRs in six seasons with the Mets. That’s included three years with at least 118 RBIs.
There’s no doubting the pop Alonso brings to the table. He’s a proven power guy with the ability to drive runners in. Having said that, there are some things that made a reunion between himself and the Mets untenable.
For one, the 30-year-old is a below-average defender. He’s worked hard to be at the very least playable — though a Gold Glove certainly isn’t in his future. You can envision a scenario where he becomes a full-time DH sooner rather than later. This is problematic given that the team’s most recent high-profile signing, Juan Soto, is also a below-average fielder with a future destined as a DH.
If you lock Alonso into a lengthy deal, the defense somewhere on the field will likely be problematic. Aside from the lack of defense offered, Alonso is a poor runner with virtually no base-stealing skills. He’s also someone that strikes out a lot. In playoff baseball, being able to put the ball in play is imperative, and Alonso is not exactly consistent in that regard.
The Mets also have flexibility should they not re-sign Alonso. Financial flexibility exists where the Mets could presumably go out and take money earmarked towards Alonso and instead split it between multiple players to better fill out the depth needs across the roster.
Additionally, budding star Mark Vientos seems like a surer bet to man the first base spot for the foreseeable future. By moving Vientos to first base, the Mets can better assess what they have at third base with a host of young players including Luisangel Acuna, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio.
This is not to say losing Alonso would be a good thing necessarily speaking. He’s still a guy who’s essentially a lock for 30+ HRs and close to 100 RBIs. Alonso is also a leader within the team and is someone extremely well-liked and appreciated by the front office and the fan base.
If Alonso does leave, look for some offensively challenged teams to pursue him heavily. Cincinnati and Seattle appear to be potential fits on the surface.
