The New York Mets just had an embarrassing season, and to top it off, their superstar first baseman, Pete Alonso, may be leaving in free agency. If the Mets want to stay contenders, they’ll need a potential replacement for Alonso if he decides to leave.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposes that the Mets look into a player from their crosstown rival, the New York Yankees: Cody Bellinger. Bellinger would create a super outfield with Juan Soto, and would be a huge defensive upgrade from Alonso.
“After acquiring Marcus Semien from the Rangers, the Mets might be all set in the infield sans Alonso. There's no question it'll be Semien at second and Francisco Lindor at short, and it will presumably be Mark Vientos at first and Brett Baty at third with Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio around for depth. The outfield situation (beyond Juan Soto) is a bit of a mess, though, and they need to do something to replace Alonso's bat in the middle of the lineup, even if it isn't necessarily via a first baseman. Bellinger would make a lot of sense, and does have plenty of experience at first base, just in case the Vientos/Baty plan falls flat,” Miller wrote.
This past season, Bellinger slashed.272/.334/.480/.813 with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI in 152 games played. While he doesn’t quite have the power of Alonso, he makes up for it with better speed and defense.
While the Mets really need to focus on upgrading their starting pitching, getting Bellinger should be up there as well, especially if Alonso leaves. Juan Soto can become the primary power bat of the Mets, and Francisco Lindor and Bellinger can support him.
With a Big Three of those hitters, and some upgrades in the pitching department, the Mets can really make a run. Hopefully, they start negotiations with Bellinger’s camp, just in case things fall through with Alonso.
MORE MLB NEWS