Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has been a staple since entering the league in 2019. All he’s done since entering the league is lead the league in home runs and RBIs, be a 3-time All Star, All-MLB First Team in 2019. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2019 as well, which is unsurprising given he had 53 home runs to set the rookie record! In short, he’s the best Mets prospect to come up in a VERY long time and through his first 5 years in the league is on track for Hall of Fame considerations if he keeps his current trajectory going.
Having said that…in may be time to consider the unthinkable: should the Mets trade their star first baseman? As of this writing, the Mets are coming off a doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. They’re a woeful 22-31 on the year and are at risk of being 10 games under .500 heading into June. They have a better record than the Marlins, White Sox, Rockies, and Angels. Even the Athletics have a better record as of this writing, and they’re thought to be TANKING this year!
Pete Alonso would be the most sought-after hitter on the open market at the trade deadline. GM David Stearns would be able to raise the price of his slugger because many teams fighting for the playoffs would want him. Sure, Mets fans would feel the pain of losing their homegrown slugger, but the team could always sign him in the offseason as he’s a free agent. In short, David Stearns was brought in to build a longterm winner in Flushing, and it’s unclear if Alonso, a soon to be 30-year-old with iffy defensive skills, fits into that longterm plan.
Mets fans and pundits can be emotional, but Stearns can’t be. It also goes without saying that if the Mets bring in quality prospects and sign a superstar in the offseason such as Juan Soto, fans will get over trading Alonso.
It’s not a move that should be considered lightly, but the option has to be on the table.