The nightmare that many New York Mets fans feared this offseason came to pass this week. After seven seasons and five trips to the All-Star game, Pete Alonso’s time in Queens came to an end when he accepted a five-year, $155 million offer from the Baltimore Orioles.
As fans mourn the loss of their home run king, they must prepare for a replacement to be acquired soon. Some of the options they will and others they won’t. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five players who could be manning first base for the Mets next season.
Christian Walker
The Houston Astros are reportedly looking to slash some payroll and are trying to move first baseman Christian Walker, but he hasn’t drawn much interest after a down season. That could benefit New York. President David Stearns does not like adding players in their 30s unless it is for a short-term deal. Walker only has two years left on his contract.
If the club could also get rid of Jeff McNeil’s contract in the deal, Walker does bring a legit power bat to the lineup and the defense the team wants. He won three straight Gold Glove awards from 2022 to 2024.
Cody Bellinger
The Alonso replacement that would probably satisfy most Mets fans is if they signed Cody Bellinger. The one-time NL MVP is a proven big league batter who brings reliable impact hitter, some speed, and strong defense at both first base and the outfield. The 30-year-old is right in his prime, brings versatility, and if he can be had on a deal no more than four years, he would be a great addition for the club.
Munetaka Murakami
While most NY Mets fans don’t know much about him, the Japanese import is one of the greatest home run hitters in JPCL history, and is second on the single-season list when he hit 56 three years ago. He has played a lot of third base during his career, but is expected to move to first in MLB. Meaning he could be an above-average defender at the position.
While he won’t come cheap, he is only 25 and could help fill the power void left by Alonso’s departure.
Paul Goldschmidt
There have been recent rumblings that seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt is on the Mets’ radar and would likely be part of a first base platoon with Jeff McNeil. The 38-year-old’s best days are well behind him, and his addition won’t thrill New York fans. However, last season he still hit .274, scored 74 runs, and remains a rock-solid defender at first.
Luis Arraez
A three-time All-Star who could be had at a Stearns-friendly rate is Luis Arraez. The 28-year-old is reportedly not drawing a ton of interest in free agency due to being a light hitter and a below-average defender. But there is no denying he is an elite contact hitter and has a .317 career average. As a Plan-C option, Arraez makes sense because he would be affordable, can hit, and could be decent at first.
