For a long time, there was no questioning the value of a slugging first baseman.
Every team wanted a major thumper in the middle of their lineup, and sure, you'd put them at a less significant defensive position so they could just focus on raking. Those guys got paid a ton of money to do that.
But in recent years, other traits have begun to matter. Defense at first base is viewed as key. So too is the relative positional value of a first baseman versus a guy at another spot.
All of that could contribute to Pete Alonso not staying with the New York Mets.
This is what ESPN's Jorge Castillo wrote on Friday in relation to that:
"Last offseason, Stearns didn't budge on giving a long-term deal to Alonso. He probably won't this time around either. Stearns has reiterated that he wants to improve the club's run prevention, which means upgrades on defense and in the pitching staff."
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There's no doubting Alonso's bat. He had a bounceback 2025 after a middling 2024, and he's probably got at least a few strong seasons left at the plate.
But it all comes down to value. And will Alonso want more money than the Mets are willing to pay him?
Someone will likely hand Alonso a hefty contract. He's got a notable name and an exciting game.
The Mets have what feel like unlimited pockets, so it's not out of the question they shell out the dollars for Alonso. But they also have a front office that wants to make the right move, not just the expensive one.
If Stearns follows the general expectations in the media about his approach this offseason, Alonso will be in a different uniform in 2026.
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