Mets’ Pete Alonso Decision Haunts David Stearns After Disastrous First Base Gamble

The New York Mets’ resolution to maneuver on from Pete Alonso has change into one of many largest questions surrounding president of baseball operations David Stearns after the crew’s first base plans did not ship.

Mets’ Pete Alonso Decision Backfires

Alonso, the Mets’ all-time residence run chief, has continued producing with the Baltimore Orioles after leaving New York. He entered Monday with an .812 OPS and 22 residence runs whereas enjoying in all 106 video games for his new crew. Meanwhile, the Mets have struggled to discover a dependable alternative at first base.

Instead of bringing Alonso again, Stearns signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million cope with the expectation that he might assist enhance the lineup. However, Polanco has performed solely two video games at first base and has spent important time coping with accidents. He started the day with simply 101 plate appearances and a .431 OPS, NY Post reported.

The Mets additionally tried Mark Vientos at first base earlier than he landed on the injured record with a damaged hand. Jared Young has supplied some stability, however his enchancment has not erased considerations concerning the crew’s decision-making on the place. The state of affairs has change into extra irritating as a result of Alonso has additionally carried out effectively defensively.

Heading into the offseason, Stearns emphasised the significance of bettering run prevention, however Alonso has recorded three outs above common this season, rating in MLB’s eighty fifth percentile defensively.

Francisco Lindor Praises Pete Alonso

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor acknowledged that the crew nonetheless misses Alonso. When requested if the entrance workplace miscalculated by not bringing again the longtime first baseman, Lindor stated, “We do miss Pete. We love him and he’s a great player and he’s going to be one of the greatest Mets to ever play.”

The Mets reportedly made an effort to maintain Alonso with a seven-year, $158 million supply earlier than he reached free company, however the two sides by no means reached an settlement.

According to Pulptastic, Alonso finally signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles, whereas New York selected to maneuver in a unique path.

The first base resolution is now half of a bigger offseason that has not gone as deliberate for Stearns. Several main additions, together with Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert Jr., have struggled or missed time due to accidents. The disappointing roster development has contributed to the Mets turning into sellers forward of the commerce deadline.

While Alonso alone wouldn’t have solved each downside for the Mets, his presence would have added stability and pleasure to a crew looking for solutions. His 22 residence runs this season would already lead the Mets.