5 realistic, imperfect Pete Alonso replacements in free agency for the NY Mets roster

Pete Alonso won’t be wearing a New York Mets uniform ever again, at least not until he comes back for old-timer’s day. The club decided they weren’t going to push forward with a contract demand that ultimately lands him five years and $155 million from the Baltimore Orioles.

Many fans saw this coming. The unexpected trade of Brandon Nimmo plus weak pursuit of Edwin Diaz evolved into a situation where the worst-case scenario seemed plausible for every beloved member of the franchise who was at risk of changing teams.

Alonso gone, the Mets either have to go internal, make a trade, or chase someone down in free agency. Who’s left? Note, Cody Bellinger has been left off the list because signing him to be your first baseman is silly.

1) Munetaka Murakami - The Slugger

The biggest power hitter still out there with first base experience, signing Munetaka Murakami would show the Mets value power at first base and don’t care much about defense. The Japanese Babe Ruth has played some third base in his career overseas as well, but the idea is he’ll come to MLB as a first baseman and more likely a DH.

There’s always some mystery at play when it comes to anyone changing countries. Japan might have the second-best league on the planet, but lifestyle change, among other factors, can have even a superstar like him becoming more average than elite.

This doesn’t seem like the most plausible end result for the Mets. If they weren’t going to go with Alonso for more than 3 years, why take such a gamble on a foreign player with incredible upside but also a potentially disastrous result? The Mets don’t seem to be in the market for players beyond 2028 due to some undeclared reason. It’s not necessarily age.