The case for Pete Alonso as the Mets DH in 2022

Alonso’s case for being the permanent designated hitter is tricky. On the one hand, there are numerous strong arguments for making Alonso the designated hitter. He is a pure power hitter, and his glove is at best average.

On the other hand, the Mets would need to tread carefully if they opt for this solution. Assuming that they make no more moves in free agency, this will mean that Dominic Smith could become the primary first baseman, and his splits indicate that it would be risky making him the full-time first baseman, especially coming off of a down year. Given the number of candidates the Mets have at first base, keeping Alonso at his natural position may be the way to go.

Mets fans should expect Pete Alonso to remain at his original position, at least for now.

Mets manager Buck Showalter is going to have a tough lineup decision when it comes to the designated hitter. With the new acquisitions and Robinson Cano returning, Showalter is in a position where he can get creative with the lineup. Part of that creativity could mean trying Alonso out as the primary designated hitter.

However, at least in the beginning, I expect that Alonso will still get the majority of the playing time at first base. The Mets made the choice a couple years ago to give Alonso the starting first base job over Smith. So far, that has proven to have been the correct decision, given Smith’s inconsistency. Therefore, it stands to reason that the Mets will not overthink this decision, and keep the status quo for the time being.