In the immediate aftermath of losing Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles, we took a look at some of the remaining free agent options out there. All are a bit unsatisfying to replace the Polar Bear on the New York Mets roster.
Trades are a bit tougher to predict as they often include players we had no idea were about to switch uniforms. Mets fans may have heard rumblings of Brandon Nimmo getting dealt. Did Texas Rangers fans see Marcus Semien getting moved?
Based on previous rumors and speculated availability, these three first basemen might be out there for the Mets to snatch. Each has played strong defense at first base in at least one recent season while hitting a "good" amount of home runs. No one will come close to replicating what Alonso gave the Mets. However, all three of these guys can bring something to the club as they look to build around him.
1) Christian Walker - Last year’s Pete Alonso peer
The Houston Astros didn’t get what they wanted out of Christian Walker last season. Signed for two more years at $20 million a piece, he might not be such a horrid addition for the Mets. He’d come cheaply, perhaps even in a swap which somehow involves Kodai Senga.
Walker’s slash line totals dipped in year one with Houston, but he added an extra home run and 4 more RBI than he had in his final season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Three consecutive Gold Gloves won with the Diamondbacks in 2022-2024, the Mets would have to ask the hard question of whether he can get back to that level again or if he’s starting to feel his age, 35 in March.
This trade only makes sense if it doesn’t come at a high cost for the Mets and relieves them of one or more of their trade candidates. The Astros need pitching, setting up well for a swap which somehow involves Walker and Senga changing teams with maybe an additional piece or two included. The benefit for the Mets is they open up a rotation spot which they better fill with a clear upgrade.
