The New York Mets are in the middle of an offseason upheaval that has fans and analysts alike wondering just what the future holds—particularly for star slugger Pete Alonso. Amid rumors swirling around Juan Soto and a potential third-base upgrade, it appears the Mets may not be fully committed to Alonso as their first baseman. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns reportedly has his sights set on outfielder Soto and pitcher Corbin Burnes, creating a “dream scenario” that could come at a steep price: potentially letting go of Alonso without even a serious offer.
The mere possibility of Alonso leaving has left Mets fans stunned. Known for his relentless power at the plate and his deep ties to Citi Field, Alonso has been a fan favorite. Letting him go would shake the foundations of the Mets lineup. MLB insider Jim Bowden’s comments suggest the Mets are instead focused on fortifying their defense at third base, possibly through marquee players like Alex Bregman or versatile shortstop Willy Adames. For fans, it’s a signal that Stearns may be more interested in shoring up other areas of the field rather than retaining the face of their franchise.
But would passing up Alonso prove a disastrous move? Alonso’s numbers speak for themselves—he’s been a powerhouse and a leader on and off the field. If the Mets’ reported preference for Soto and Burnes over Alonso leads to his exit, they risk not only alienating fans but also sacrificing a dependable lineup centerpiece. His exit would prompt lineup changes, potentially affecting younger prospects like Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, who could see shifting roles as a result.
Of course, landing both Soto and a top-tier third baseman like Bregman would be a bold play by Stearns, but it comes with risks. Shuffling cornerstones in the lineup without a solid plan could backfire, especially if Alonso finds success with another team. For Mets fans, the looming question is whether this aggressive pursuit of other stars could cost them one of their own in Alonso—one of the most feared hitters in the league and a leader that could be hard to replace.
Only time will tell if Stearns’ approach will turn the Mets into contenders or if letting Alonso go will become one of the biggest blunders in franchise history.
