An increasingly satisfying Mets replacement for Pete Alonso if he walks in free agency

Should the New York Mets go to the ends of the earth to keep Pete Alonso on the roster? Fans have varying opinions on him. Definitely a guy to have a conversation with, alternative options are out there to help fill the void.

It’s not all about filling in first base with a big free agent either. Shifting Mark Vientos over from third base to first base is something every fan has contemplated. This leaves the hot corner open for something big like signing Alex Bregman or experimental like giving Brett Baty another chance alongside Ronny Mauricio and maybe a veteran. Who wouldn’t want Jose Iglesias back to help out there at the very least?

The Mets have a lot of options when it comes to replacing Alonso. More than anything, it’s the power they should look to add to the lineup. One free agent is becoming increasingly more satisfying.

The Mets can find satisfying power with free agent Anthony Santander

It’ll be difficult to find anything close to the production Alonso has given the Mets over the years. Even in a down season like the ongoing one, Alonso remains a constant threat for home runs and even RBI.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander has been this type of player in their lineup for several seasons, but with increased playing time in the last three seasons, the 29-year-old switch-hitting outfielder has reached a whole new level in 2024.

After smashing 41 doubles and 28 home runs last year with a career-high 95 RBI, Santander has managed to get even better this year. He has essentially swapped the home run and double totals. He is one of a small number to eclipse the 40 run mark already. He has done it, too, with a decrease in his total number of strikeouts. The batting average and OBP have fallen a bit but the power is at an all-time high with the bat making contact with the ball much more regularly.

Santander has spent most of his career in right field with some experience in 2023 at first base. As a hybrid right fielder and first baseman, he can add some versatility to the Mets that Alonso has never brought with him. He’d be a defensive upgrade over Starling Marte in right field—so would a plastic cup turned upside down for whatever that’s worth. Marte seems destined for more time in the DH role beginning next season.

The Mets could do worse than replacing Alonso with Santander in their lineup. Add him to your radar if he wasn’t already there.