A new MLB rumor claims that the New York Mets are plotting to replace homegrown star Pete Alonso with MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber.
After a stunning collapse in September that cost them a playoff spot, there has been a ton of speculation about what the Mets plan to do this winter. They must rebuild their bullpen and started the process this week by signing Devin Williams. There are also reports that, despite adding the two-time All-Star, they still want to bring back their own closer, Edwin Diaz.
They also want to overhaul their starting rotation a bit. They have been linked to all of the top arms in free agency, and there have also been rumors that they are shopping one-time All-Star Kodai Senga. However, there is a more pressing issue for many Mets fans: Bringing back their home run king, Pete Alonso.
While the belief around the league is that the club wants the five-time All-Star back, it seems they may prefer to replace his bat in the lineup with none other than Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber. “The juiciest rumor I heard this week was the notion that the Mets could push the Phillies for Schwarber,” ESPN’s Buster Olney reports.
NY Mets want Kyle Schwarber to fix locker room issues?
That rumor may surprise some New York fans since Schwarber is older and is purely a designated hitter at this point in his career. However, the organization clearly seems to believe it needs more leadership in its locker room. A recent rumor suggested that it was a key reason for last month’s trade for Marcus Semien. Olney seems to believe that is likely a reason why the Mets have a serious interest in the popular 11-year veteran.
“Beyond Schwarber’s power and on-base capability — can you imagine pitchers working to get through Schwarber and Soto in the same inning? — he is known as someone who works to pull players together,” Olney wrote.
The MLB insider also added that at the very least, joining a bidding war could hurt Philly by driving up the price on a player likely to get a five-year deal this offseason.
