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

2) Ryan O’Hearn - The Practical Choice

Ryan O’Hearn brings some sweet, sweet flexibility to the Mets. He can play some corner outfield. He played a good first base last season, too. Traded by the Orioles to the San Diego Padres last summer, he’s a nice addition the Mets should have sought out in addition to Alonso and not instead of.

O’Hearn seems to be more the market type for smaller spenders. Replacing Alonso with him would still require the Mets to invest large in another major free agent. O’Hearn would conceivably fit the mold of a player who won’t get more than 3 years, possibly. His defensive versatility would also allow them to mix-and-match better with the players they already have in place.

There isn’t much upside to what he brings. Until he joined the Orioles a few seasons ago, he wasn’t doing a whole lot as a member of the Kansas City Royals. The Mets would be buying high on him and wouldn’t get close to the amount of run production they’ve lost by moving on from Alonso.

It wouldn’t be the worst move to make. However, it’s going to require the Mets to do two gigantic moves to justify it.