Heading into his final year before free agency, the thought of Pete Alonso in another uniform is becoming a reality. The New York Mets first baseman is fully expected to test free agency and understandably, seek the best contract he can get.
Mets fans have been speculating for months about what the future may hold. Analyzing how David Stearns handled the position during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers only gives us a little bit of insight into his way of thinking. The situation in New York is much different. Alonso is one of the most popular players who’ve worn the blue and orange. He can do no wrong in the eyes of many.
One factor in determining how far the Mets will go to sign Alonso will be the performance of others. In 2024, how these three players do could play a significant role in letting Alonso walk or holding him more tightly. In the end, how much they think he’s worth versus how much he’s asking for as a free agent in dollars and years will matter most. So will seeing available alternatives evolve or devolve.
3) Brett Baty
Across the diamond from Alonso is third baseman Brett Baty. What could he possibly have to do with Alonso’s future in Queens?
There are three likely outcomes for Baty in 2024. The one we’re hoping for is he looks like a major league third baseman both at the plate and in the field. Nobody expects him to become a Gold Glove contender. Serviceable is more realistic. In this case, Baty won’t factor much into any Alonso decision. A lousy year offensively and defensively won’t contribute much either.
On the other hand, a huge year at the plate and an equally as bad or worse one as a defensive play may. Baty is only in the major leagues because of his proven bat at the minor league level. Although it has yet to happen nor is anyone expecting some sort of a ticking clock for it to occur, a switch over to first base is one solution to keep him in the starting lineup.
Baty has played some left field in the minors, but the Mets haven’t allowed him to roam the position at the major league level yet. With them pivoting to Harrison Bader in center field and appearing to have Brandon Nimmo in left field more permanently, we shouldn’t expect Baty to move there. First base could be a different story.
Baty would need to have a monstrous season to come close to replacing Alonso. So would anyone else. A bad defensive year but a terrific one at the plate might have the Mets thinking about a position change.
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