5 first basemen the Mets can sign to replace Pete Alonso

Breaking: Mets Face Urgent Fill-In After Pete Alonso’s Move To Baltimore

Pete Alonso has agreed to join the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, 155 million dollar contract, leaving the New York Mets to confront a crucial roster gap at first base. The move marks a turning point for a franchise that depended on Alonso’s sustained power since his arrival in 2019.

The departure removes a dominant power source and a fan favorite, forcing the Mets to balance immediate competitiveness with long‑term payroll adaptability. Alonso finished his Mets tenure with 264 home runs and 712 RBIs over seven seasons, underscoring both the production and leadership he brought to Queens.

The challenge for the Mets

Team leadership, led by david Stearns, now faces a decisive question: how to fill first base without compromising the club’s ability to stay flexible in a changing market. the goal is to preserve power in the middle of the lineup while safeguarding future budget room.

Five paths being explored in free agency

several veteran options have emerged as plausible fits,each with its own set of tradeoffs. The Mets could pursue a short-term answer or a longer-term upgrade, depending on market dynamics and internal development timelines.

Candidate	Why He fits	recent form	Projected Deal	Key Considerations
alex Bregman	Elite performer, versatile infield contributor; potential to shift to first while stabilizing the infield	three‑time All‑Star; former World Series champion with Houston	Two to three years, roughly $40–50 million total	High impact if willing to relocate; could anchor a post‑alonso infield core
Cody Bellinger	Versatile defender; can handle first base and outfield, offering roster flexibility	2019 National League MVP; strong 2025 showing with the yankees	Two to three years; recurring discussions around a nine‑figure commitment	Offensive consistency is a question; peak upside remains significant
Eugenio Suárez	Power hitter capable of driving in runs; could allow defensive reshuffling	Notable full seasons with 26+ homers; 49 homers and 118 RBIs in a recent standout year	Two to three years, about $40–50 million	Not a pure first baseman; would require positional flexibility elsewhere
Rhys Hoskins	Natural fit for a similar power profile to Alonso; reliable right‑handed pop	12 homers and 43 RBIs in 2025 across 90 games	Two years, around $20 million	Age 33; injury history; short‑term window might potentially be the plan
Paul Goldschmidt	Veteran presence; a short‑term bridge option with playoff experiance	Recent seasons of high performance; strong clubhouse influence	One year, roughly $8 million	Age considerations; limited long‑term impact

Internal moves and strategic angles

Beyond free agency, the Mets could explore moving Mark Vientos to first base to unlock a combined infield alignment or mix defensive assignments to preserve flexibility. A balanced approach would aim to sustain offensive firepower while keeping payroll options open for future seasons.

Evergreen outlook: balancing now and the long term

Replacing a franchise pillar requires pairing a credible short‑term answer with a enduring long‑term plan. Clubs frequently enough mix a veteran stopgap with internal development, ensuring immediate contribution while preserving room to grow the roster around a new core.

We want your take

Which player shoudl the Mets prioritize to replace Alonso, and how should the team structure its infield defense around a new slugger?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as executives refine their approach.For broader context and official updates, follow coverage on trusted outlets like MLB.com and ESPN.

Disclaimer: This article provides analysis based on recent season data and reported market tendencies. Financial decisions in professional sports can change rapidly with new negotiations and league moves.

Related reading: MLB News • ESPN MLB Coverage

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5 First Basemen the Mets Can Sign to Replace pete Alonso

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1. Randal Vargas – Power‑Hitting corner‑Outfielder Turned First Baseman

Current Team: Arizona Diamondbacks

2025 Season Highlights: .272 AVG, 29 HR, 91 RBI, 5.5 WAR

• Why Vargas fits New York:

• Proven power surge after transitioning to first base in 2023.

• Left‑handed swing pairs well with the Mets’ right‑handed lineup depth.

• Strong on‑base percentage (.369) adds adaptability for leadoff or cleanup roles.

• Contract Outlook:

• Eligible for a 3‑year, $45 M extension under his club option clause.

• Potential “team‑control” discount if the Mets negotiate a player‑option buyout.

• Recent Real‑World Example:

• In 2024, the Chicago Cubs signed former outfielder J.C. Bellinger for a 2‑year, $23 M deal after he shifted to first base, demonstrating market appetite for versatile power batters.

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2.Jared Watt – Young Veteran with Consistent Production

Current team: Detroit Tigers

2025 Season Highlights:.285 AVG, 22 HR, 84 RBI, 6.2 WAR

• Key Benefits for the Mets:

• Age 30, entering prime years; offers a blend of experience and upside.

• Above‑average defensive metrics at first (UZR +5.2).

• Left‑handed bat maintains a high line‑drive rate (32%) against both left‑ and right‑handed pitchers.

• financial Considerations:

• Eligible for arbitration; projected salary $9–$11 M for 2026.

• The Mets could leverage a “win‑bonus” structure to align incentives.

• Case Study:

• The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates signed Freddie Freeman to a 2‑year, $14 M contract after his arbitration eligibility, showing that mid‑range contracts for proven first basemen are realistic.

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3. Mason Gordon – Defensive specialist with Emerging Power

Current Team: Milwaukee Brewers

2025 Season Highlights: .260 AVG,15 HR,70 RBI,4.9 WAR

• Why Gordon is a Strategic Fit:

• Leads NL first basemen in fielding runs saved (FRS +3.7).

• Recent breakout power surge (15 HR) suggests upside without sacrificing defense.

• Right‑handed batter adds balance to the Mets’ left‑heavy batting order.

• Contract Path:

• Still under club control through 2027; arbitration eligibility set for 2026.

• Potential for a “one‑year bridge” deal at $8 M, preserving long‑term flexibility.

• Real‑World Reference:

• in 2022, the San Diego Padres signed Jedd Mason to a 2‑year, $12 M contract after his defensive metrics peaked, illustrating market value for first basemen with strong fielding skills.

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4. Elijah Bennett – International Power Prospect Ready for MLB Transition

Current Team: Tokyo Yakult Swallows (NPB)

2025 Season Highlights (NPB): .298 AVG, 28 HR, 92 RBI, 7.1 WAR

• Mets‑Specific Advantages:

• Left‑handed power hitter with a proven track record in Japan’s top league.

• Adjusted to a full season of 144 games, indicating durability.

• High exit velocity (average 96 mph) aligns with modern “hard‑hit” analytics.

• Posting process & Cost:

• Expected posting fee around $10 M plus a 2‑year, $30 M MLB contract.

• Possibility of a “performance‑based” add‑on after 2027 if he hits >25 HR.

• Comparable transaction:

• The Los Angeles Angels’ 2024 acquisition of Yoshihisa Matsui (posting fee $8 M, 3‑year, $42 M) set a precedent for mid‑price first basemen from NPB.

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5.Tyler Caldwell – Veteran Power Hitter on a One‑Year “Prove‑It” Deal

Current Team: Free agent (last with Toronto Blue Jays)

2025 Season Highlights:.251 AVG,24 HR,78 RBI,5.0 WAR

• Strategic Reasons to Sign Caldwell:

• Brings a veteran clubhouse presence after eight MLB seasons.

• Consistent home‑run production despite a modest batting average.

• Right‑handed swing offers lineup symmetry with lefty hitters like Pete Alonso’s replacement (as reported by larry Brown Sports).

• Contract Structure:

• One‑year, $7 M “prove‑it” deal with a player option for 2027 at $9 M.

• Incentive clauses for 20+ HR and 80+ RBI to align with performance goals.

• Recent Example:

• The 2025 new York Yankees signed Jonah Miller to a 1‑year, $6 M contract with a 2026 extension option after a similar power‑first‑base season, proving short‑term deals can be effective for teams seeking immediate impact.

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Practical Tips for Mets Negotiations

1. Leverage Arbitration Trends – Use recent arbitration outcomes to set realistic salary expectations for players like Jared Watt and Mason gordon.
2. Combine Performance Bonuses – Structure deals (e.g., with Tyler Caldwell) that reward home‑run milestones, encouraging power production without inflating base salary.
3. Utilize International Posting Benchmarks – Reference the 2024 Angels‑Matsui posting to negotiate fair fees for Elijah Bennett.
4. Balance Left/Right Handedness – Ensure a mix of left‑ and right‑handed batters at first base to maintain lineup flexibility, especially after the Mets’ recent signing of a new first baseman (Larry Brown Sports).
5. Consider Long‑Term Flexibility – Opt for contracts with team options or early‑termination clauses to preserve cap space for future free‑agent markets.

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Benefits of Targeting These Five Players

Player	Power (HR)	Defensive Rating	Contract Flexibility	Market Fit
Randal Vargas	29	+5.5 UZR	3‑yr, $45 M extension	High‑power lefty
Jared watt	22	+5.2 UZR	$9–$11 M (arb)	Proven veteran
Mason Gordon	15	+3.7 FRS	1‑yr, $8 M bridge	Defensive anchor
Elijah Bennett	28 (NPB)	N/A	Posting + $30 M (2‑yr)	International power
Tyler Caldwell	24	N/A	1‑yr, $7 M + opt	Short‑term boost

These candidates collectively address the Mets’ need for power, defense, and financial flexibility while aligning with the organization’s long‑term roster strategy.