The New York Mets have made a splash in the free-agent market, signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking contract. However, they are now linked to another big-name player, an All-Star third basemen, Alex Bregman.
Bregman is coming off a season in which he hit .260 and slugged .457 with 26 homers and 75 RBI in 581 at-bats. The former Astros is seeking a long-term contract that would force the Mets to move Mark Vientos to first base and end expectations that Pete Alonso will return to the team.
Alex Bregman's signing could backfire for the Mets.
While adding Bregman would undoubtedly bolster their lineup, several reasons exist why this move could put the Mets in a flawed situation. First, Bregman is coming off a down year in overall production in 2024.
Bregman's 2024 season saw a concerning decline in his offensive production, most notably his on-base percentage, a hallmark of his career success. This dip raises valid concerns about his ability to maintain his previous level of offensive output.
Likewise, although Bregman remains an elite hitter in terms of his strikeout percentage, his power must be studied closely. His square-up swing and tendency to be a pull hitter have benefited him in the dimensions of Minute Maid Park (currently converted to Daikin Park) due to the distance from the left field wall, something that he could not maximize at Citi Field given the stadium's dimensions.
Furthermore, Bregman's contract demands are likely to be substantial. He is expected to seek a deal worth more than $200 million over multiple years, a significant investment for a player whose recent performance has raised questions about his future productivity. This substantial expenditure would further strain the Mets' already high payroll, potentially limiting their ability to address other pressing needs within the roster.
Finally, signing Bregman could significantly diminish the chances of retaining fan favorite Pete Alonso. Bregman, while a talented player, may not offer the same level of offensive impact, particularly the home run power that Alonso provides. Moreover, Alonso's presence in the lineup would create a formidable protection for Juan Soto, maximizing the impact of both sluggers.
Signing Alex Bregman would make the Mets a more formidable team, especially since the team's defense would improve with Bregman's range and Vientos' move to first base, it is not without risks. The Mets need to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks before making a decision that could not make this team in terms of financial and offensive production better than having Pete Alonso back.