A new report claims the New York Mets are a near lock to let Pete Alonso walk in free agency, and a two-time All-Star will be a top target to replace him.
One of the biggest stories for the Mets heading into the offseason is the future of homegrown fan-favorite Pete Alonso. The five-time All-Star is coming off another big season, and it comes just in time for him to opt out of the final year of his contract and test his value again in MLB free agency.
After a weak market for his services a year ago, things are expected to be very different this time around, and he should have far more interest this winter. Despite his performance this past season, there is a belief that the Mets are still hesitant to give the soon-to-be 31-year-old a long-term deal.
On Saturday, Sports Illustrated Mets insider Pat Ragazzo confirmed that rumblings from the organization point to the club letting “Pete Alonso walk in free agency unless he takes a team-friendly deal.” Something he definitely won’t need to do. So who could the Mets target to fill his void at first and in the batting order? Well, it looks like it will be a player the team has been linked to in the past.
Cody Bellinger will be a top offseason target of the New York Mets
“Don’t be surprised if the Mets are heavily in on the versatile Cody Bellinger in free agency, given their need for defense in both centerfield and at first base. Bellinger is also a fit for the Mets due to his ability to handle the New York market, which he showed while playing for the Yankees this past year,” Ragazzo reports.
Before the one-time NL MVP was traded to the New York Yankees last year, the Mets were reportedly big fans of his skill set. Especially his ability to play above-average defense in the outfield and at first base. Needs they will still have this offseason. In his debut year in the Bronx, he played well. Posting a .272/.334/.480/.813 slashline with 29 homers, 98 runs batted in, 89 runs, and 13 stolen bases.
Like Alonso, the two-time All-Star also opted out of his deal to test his value in free agency. Projections point to the nine-year veteran getting a seven-year deal worth around $180 million.
