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Rival scout's free agency fit for NY Mets must have David Stearns treading lightly

The Mets should be wary of this potential fit in free agency.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Oct 28, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) looks on before game five of the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) looks on before game five of the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers broke out in his age-31 season in 2026, helping the Brew Crew win their first World Series title in franchise history. Now, Bauers is set to become a free agent and could ultimately be the adequate Pete Alonso replacement that the Mets have been looking for.

One rival National League scout told FanSided on Monday that Bauers would be a good fit for the Mets at first base. Bauers, a left-handed bat, is coming off a season where he slashed .266/.389/.484 with a .874 OPS, 140 OPS+, 26 home runs, 86 RBI and a 3.3 bWAR in 144 games for the Brewers. But should the Mets go after him in free agency? That remains to be seen.

Why Jake Bauers should have Mets treading lightly

Bauers was mostly a negative WAR player throughout his seven year big league career. He took a step forward as a role player in Milwaukee in 2025, but he didn't reach his full potential until after he turned 30.

For that, the Mets and president of baseball operations David Stearns should be wary about giving a multi-year deal to a late bloomer, who will likely be an expensive addition this offseason after what he was just able to accomplish with the Brewers last season. He's also a negative defender at his position.

The Mets already have lefty bat Jared Young, who could be a platoon option at first base after producing a solid season in Queens in 2026. Young mashes right-handed pitching, hitting .275 with a .793 OPS in 251 at-bats last year.

On the other hand, Young could be relegated to a bench role and has the versatility to play in the corner outfield spots as well. The Mets need more slug at the first base position, and Bauers would be a strong addition to boost their roster in this area. The Mets received minimal production at the first base position last season after letting Alonso walk to the Baltimore Orioles. Bauers could be a viable candidate to replace him two years later.

Spotrac currently projects Bauers to receive a four-year deal worth north of $57 million in free agency this winter. The years are something the Mets might not be willing to do, but the dollar figures could be a bargain for Bauers if he can produce in a similar way as this past season.

Beyond Bauers and Ty France, the Mets don't have many options to bring in a capable first baseman in free agency. Bauers is the best available first baseman on the free agent market, and one scout believes he is a fit for the Mets. But the Mets should tread lightly.

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