3 short-term Mets replacements for Pete Alonso at first base to consider

2) Trade for Josh Naylor

Free agency has multiple names capable of covering first base but most of them are in search of multi-year contracts. Another way to improve the position without having to make a long-term financial commitment would be through the trade market.

The Cleveland Guardians would be inclined to trade Josh Naylor this winter because the first baseman is in the final year of his contract for which he would earn an estimated $14.5 million in his final year of arbitration. The Guardians feature former top prospect Kyle Manzardo, who was acquired at the 2023 trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays for Aaron Civale.

Naylor has been a productive bat in his career with a slash line of .262/.323/.444/.767 with 84 home runs and 343 RBIs. Although his profile is not that of a hitter with on-base skills, his strikeout and whiff rates are low and his power makes him a productive bat.

In 2024, he hit a career-high 31 home runs and 108 RBIs. On a low-cost, one-year deal, the cost of acquiring Naylor would not be high, requiring one or two prospects of average value and would be placed fourth or fifth in the batting lineup, being a left-handed hitter who would provide balance.