If the NY Mets lose Pete Alonso, here's who they should make a trade offer for

Over the past few weeks, the future of Pete Alonso as a member of the New York Mets has been questioned. It started back when the Mets signed Jesse Winker, it was reported by Andy Martino that this was the Mets pivoting to plan B and don't see a reunion with Alonso as possible. The reason for this breakup was the large gap the two sides had when it came to the finances of the deal.

Because of this uncertainty, a new suitor emerged for the four-time All-Sar. The Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly showing interest in Alonso, causing many to speculate it was a race between them and the Mets to land him. However, according to the newest Martino report, a decision may come sooner than expected. Martino is reporting that a source familiar with the negotiations that the talks between the Jays and Alonso are advancing.

Although it's not a guarantee that Alonso is about to sign with the Blue Jays, the Mets should be ready to pivot. After the run to the NLCS last season and the signing of Juan Soto, the Mets are ready to win now, and losing a guy like Alonso is a big blow to those plans. A guy that the Mets should trade for as their replacement for Alonso is Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle.

Why Ryan Mountcastle is a good replacement for Pete Alonso

On the surface trading, you may be wondering if Mountcastle is even available. After the Orioles playoff run last season, shouldn't they be looking to add MLB talent not trade it away? Well, this isn't the first time Mountcastle's name has come up in trade speculation. He was on the trade block during the 2024 trade deadline. This is because of the Orioles' top prospect Coby Mayo. It seems like the O's want to bring Mayo up to the majors in 2025 and the easiest place to put him is at first base.

Mountcastle put up decent numbers in 2024, slashing .271/.308/.425, with 13 home runs, 63 RBIs, an OPS+ of 113, and a wRC+ of 108. Now sure is he not a power-hitting first baseman like Alonso. However, he's a solid contact hitter that could provide the Mets lineup with versatility. You can bat him in the second spot behind Fransisco Lindor and have him be a table setter for guys like Juan Soto and Mark Vientos. Or you can put him in the fifth spot and have him get on base for someone like Fransisco Alvarez.

However, the biggest impact Mountcastle will have on the Mets is his defensive ability. In 114 games at first base in 2024, he had a fielding percentage of .997 and had a defensive run saved of eight. He also has a range in the 71st percentile according to Baseball Savant. One of the main criticisms that followed Alonso was his defense. He wasn't terrible, but he did leave a lot to be desired. While they lose the power of Alonso, they get a much better defender at first.

Although it's hard to lose a homegrown guy like Alonso. If the Martino report is true and he's truly on his way to Toronto, then Mountcastle is the best option to fill the hole he left.