What to make of the NY Mets rumors of a polar opposite at first base from Pete Alonso

There might not be a more hotly contested player in Major League Baseball right now than Luis Arraez. Three straight batting titles for three different teams, he’s a unique hitter we got to know best during his 2023 season with the Miami Marlins when his .354 batting average led all of Major League Baseball. We never expected he’d be the headliner in any offseason New York Mets rumors. Pete Alonso or another equivalent power hitter was all we had on our minds.

As it turns out, the Mets are at least doing their homework on Arraez with what has been classified as “slightly more open” to acquiring him than their Big Apple brothers, the New York Yankees.

These Mets rumors caught many of us off-guard yesterday, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Of course, the desperation isn’t coming from the Mets. It’s the San Diego Padres and their desire to shed payroll which has them shopping him at probably a lower price than they normally would if money was no object.

How would Luis Arraez fit in with the Mets?

As a first baseman and DH, the Mets could do worse than to have a guy pretty much guaranteed to hit .300. Exhaustion of seeing Jeff McNeil put together several down years in recent seasons might have a few fans souring on the idea. The appeal of McNeil remains his defensive versatility while Arraez is a noted bad defender but at least experienced all over the infield.

There isn’t a modern player to compare him to. Through age 27, he matches most closely to Bill Madlock. Second on the list, according to Baseball-Reference, is Wade Boggs.

Unknown is Arraez’s ability to down fried chicken or beers on airplanes. What we do know about Arraez is he’s going to put the ball in play. In many ways, he’s a Jose Iglesias alternative with an everyday role on the Mets in some capacity.

There are so many ways to use Arraez. The success of Francisco Lindor batting leadoff would eliminate him from that possibility. Perhaps second, in front of Juan Soto, is more appropriate.

Any trade for Arraez does require one other addition for the Mets. They need to add power elsewhere. The team conceivably does have room for two more everyday hitters. A first baseman and either a DH or third baseman would be a requirement to find some way to fill the current missing home runs Alonso will bring with him wherever he plays in 2025.

David Stearns has shown patience is a virtue he values. He has been willing to wait out the first base market. Don’t be surprised if the calendar flips to March and ‘Who’ truly is on first.