rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
The New York Mets have a glaring hole in the middle of the lineup.
First baseman Pete Alonso has left in free agency, signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles. Alonso, the franchise leader in home runs, had one of the best performances of his career in 2025. He posted a .272/.347/.524 batting line with 38 homers and a National League leading 41 doubles.
His departure leaves a significant hole in what had been a top-heavy lineup. While it will be difficult to replace Alonso’s production, the Mets need to find an answer if they are going to contend for a playoff berth. Otherwise, it will be another long winter in Queens.
Let’s take a look at three options for the Mets as they look for an answer at first base.
Three potential options for the New York Mets to fill hole at first
1. The internal candidates
The Mets found themselves in a similar situation during the 2024-25 offseason before Alonso re-signed in New York. Former third base prospects Mark Vientos and Brett Baty had been regarded as possible replacements had Alonso signed elsewhere. As Vientos has some experience at first, he could be an option at the position once more.
Another potential option involves utility man Jeff McNeil. Although McNeil only has three innings of experience at first during his major league career, Tim Healy of the Boston Globe reported that the Mets are considering him as an option. He would platoon at first, with Healy further reporting that Paul Goldschmidt has been discussed internally to pair with McNeil.
2. Add one of the posted NPB third basemen and moving them to first
With Alonso off the board, the free agent pool at first has drastically thinned. Ryan O’Hearn would be the best option, but he has split his time between first, the outfield and the designated hitter spot throughout his career. Other potential options have significant flaws and would be a drastic downgrade in production.
There are two other potential options. NPB third basemen Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto have questions about their ability to handle the hot corner at the major league level and could shift to first base. Both players have experience at first — Okamoto with 478 games and Murakami with 266 appearances — in their NPB careers. The Mets will need to outbid the competition, and while the Dodgers will be lurking as a possible destination, either player could be a solid replacement for Alonso.
3. An intriguing trade option
The Mets could also look at the trade block. Incumbent Orioles first basemen Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo could be available with Alonso in the fold. Both players have question marks — Mountcastle has been unable to replicate the 33 home runs he hit in 2021 while Mayo has significant strikeout concerns.
The Mets best option may be to make a deal with the rebuilding Cardinals. John Denton from MLB.com reported that the Mets have reached out regarding first baseman Willson Contreras. While he does not have the same power Alonso does, Contreras has been a solid power bat, with six seasons with at least 20 homers.
