With the sides far apart, no recent progress in talks and no clarity about the ultimate outcome, it’s truly a coin flip as to whether Pete Alonso will be a New York Met on Opening Day.
If he is not, the team has plenty of alternatives, both internal and external.
Here’s a rundown, based on conversations with league sources:
An infield youth movement
This seems like the most probable scenario if Alonso departs. A spring training without Alonso would see Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, Ronny Mauricio and others all getting reps at third base, and most of those players seeing time at first base, too. It would not necessarily mean declaring a full-time third and first baseman at the beginning or end of camp, but leaning into versatility this season.
In this scenario, the Mets could supplement the current group with a veteran utility infielder — think a Jose Iglesias type, if not necessarily Iglesias himself.
President of baseball operations David Stearns has a track record of adding to and tweaking teams during the season, too. The Opening Day infield — and for that matter, the Opening Day offense — is not an overly significant marker for the Mets, who see the roster as a living document.
Adding an outfield or DH bat
If the Mets decide to add a bat before Opening Day, they could sign an outfielder or DH-type. Jesse Winker is a possibility to return. Jurickson Profar could fit by playing some outfield and some first base. Anthony Santander, who has reportedly received a contract offer from Toronto, is less likely for New York.
One consideration: Adding a full-time DH could squeeze Starling Marte off the roster, subtracting his potential offensive contributions.
Trading for a first baseman
Despite speculation about Tampa Bay infielders Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe as trade targets, teams in contact with the Rays say that neither player is currently available. Tampa Bay, needing the offense, plans to hold onto both to start the season, rivals say. In part because the Rays are playing home games this season at the Yankees’ spring training stadium, the team is seen as a less than appealing destination for free agents this particular winter, and needs to hold onto the bats that they have.
Luis Arraez, linked this week to the Yankees, could also come into play as a stopgap first base option for the Mets, but that is a long way from becoming reality. San Diego’s suddenly contentious ownership situation has left other teams uncertain of the team’s offseason direction.
According to one league source, Boston has discussed first baseman Triston Casas with at least one other club (not the Mets), and was seeking young pitching in return. While rivals see the Red Sox as less likely to trade Casas than reports indicate, it’s not impossible that he could come into play for the Mets — which would open up a spot in Boston for Alonso, on a team starved for star power.
Signing Alex Bregman
This seems like the least likely Alonso alternative. Bregman carries the same aging curve questions as Alonso, without being a popular, homegrown star in New York. It is virtually impossible to imagine Bregman as a Met unless he accepts a short-term, Scott Boras-branded “pillow contract.” In that scenario, he’d suddenly be a consideration.
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