Reese Kaplan -- First Base Options if Alonso Leaves the Mets

It was interesting to read the takes on Pete Alonso and his apparent value once he exercises his free agency opt out.  We all know he will do it rather than take a $6 million loss for 2026.  What then should the Mets do if his asking price in terms of AAV or duration simply don’t mesh with the club’s business plan?  Who else could they use to play first base?

Well, the in-house option that has warmed some people’s hearts is Mark Vientos.  From the front office perspective he makes nearly nothing compared to what it would cost to retain Alonso.  His late season surge reignited the fervor people developed for him in 2024.  Cynics will point out how cold he was until August and how poorly he plays the field.  Others will suggest he’s a better option as a DH rather than at first base.

Ryan Clifford is in AAA but he’s at best Pete Alonso Lite.  He has home run power and does play a decent first base, but in the minors he is hitting in the .240s.  That doesn’t suggest he will improve in the majors.  He’s young enough that he could spend another year in the minors to prove or disprove his future potential. 

The other options the Mets have within their organization are either departing as free agents or forcing a position change onto someone inexperienced at the new position. 

So if you look outside the organization there are two approaches.  Trades can be made or free agents can be signed.  The trade question is more about who you would give up to obtain who you want.  That’s another debate for another day.  Instead, let’s look at some of the first base free agents.  It’s not a very impressive list.  Once you cross off the over 35 ballplayers who would be at best a short term answer there are very few left.

• Luis Arraez is perhaps the most interesting but somewhat unusual choice.  He is an anomaly in today’s game — kind of a latter day version of Tony Gwynn who hits and hits and hits.  He’s not a slugger with his high water mark of HRs and RBIs was back in 2021 with the Marlins when he hit 10 HRs and drove in 69 but did so while hitting .354.  He’s a career .316 hitter.  He has moved around between the Twins, Marlins and Padres.  His ending salary during his age 29 season is $14 million.
• Josh Bell is an on-again/off-again type of slugger.  Yes, he’ll hit 20 HRs but his batting average is going to be in the .250 or less range.  For 2025 he’s hitting just .225.  At age 33 he’s not likely going to blossom into something better. 
• Former Met Wilmer Flores is approaching free agency and will turn 35 during the 2026 season.  For his career he’s just a .259 hitter.  After a high water mark in the 2023 season with the Giants when he hit 23 HRs, drove in 80 and hit .284 it’s been downhill.  He’s only earning $3.5 million this year and while he would be a bargain he doesn’t seem like an ideal candidate either.
• Former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins was always a decent power hitter but after missing a year due to injury he left for a new role in Milwaukee.  However, after a 33 HR season in 2022 before missing 2023 he’s been sputtering.  A career .238 hitter who has an option for next season, going into his age 34 season he doesn’t seem like a great fit. 
• Then there is Josh Naylor, a 29 year old this year playing for the Diamondbacks initially and then the Mariners.  His best year was in 2024 with Cleveland when he hit 31 HRs and drove in 108.  As a career .266 hitter he might be a good option.  He’s earning $10.9 million this season.  Would he be a viable low priced Alonso alternative who is young and capable if not quite at his level?