3 players whose 2024 performance can factor into how far the Mets go to sign Pete Alonso

2) Ryan Clifford

A little further down the line when it comes to replacing Alonso, we find prospect Ryan Clifford in the minors buried behind the timeline of a few others. Clifford isn’t going to get to the show this year. By some point in 2025, the possibility exists.

The left-handed hitting 20-year-old smashed 24 home runs in 511 plate appearances last year in Single-A. His numbers did decline post-trade deadline upon joining the Mets organization via the Houston Astros. This 32-game stretch wasn’t enough to erase him from any top prospect lists.

Clifford has spent his professional career at first base and both corner outfield spots plus some time as a DH. He’d be far more of a natural first baseman than corner outfield with the ability to occasionally move to one of those outfield spots as needed.

A big year from him in 2024 will play some sort of a role in any Alonso decision. He’s the obvious long-term replacement in the farm system for Alonso if he was to exit the Mets clubhouse forever. There is a lot more he needs to prove. A temporary solution at the start of the 2025 season with Clifford in line to be the Opening Day starter at first base by 2026 seems to fit well enough into the timeline. 

A down year from Clifford won’t completely eliminate him from a future spot on the Mets roster. It could just mean the Mets think twice about letting Alonso leave.