Pete Alonso’s departure for Baltimore, courtesy of a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles, left a huge void in Queens. The Polar Bear was not only the greatest reference of offensive power of the New York Mets since his arrival in MLB in 2019; also an iconic and popular figure for the loyal fans.
Now the management headed by David Stearns faces a key decision: how to occupy first base without losing immediate competitiveness, after the five-time All-Star team collected 264 home runs (the second most in the entire competition) and 712 produced in the previous seven seasons.
Of course, in free agency there are several possible routes with interesting arguments, although none are perfect, that the metropolitans in the process of finding a replacement for the Polar Bear should consider.
5. Rhys Hoskins
The veteran first baseman appears as a natural piece if the goal is to maintain a profile similar to Pete Alonso: right-handed power and experience in the middle of the lineup. Although he does not reach the stellar status of the former Mets slugger, his numbers support his candidacy, given that although he hit 12 home runs and drove in 43 runs with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025, he did so in just 90 games, while between 2018 and 2024 he hit at least 26 home runs and produced 71 RBIs in each full season he played.
At 33 years old, his market should allow for a short contract, probably two years and about 20 million dollars; a reasonable bet for a team that does not want to mortgage its financial flexibility.
4. Paul Goldschmidt
The future candidate for the Hall of Fame from Cooperstown left the New York Yankees in the fall, after a single year in which he was less successful, despite a very good first half.
It must be an option with high media impact, but clearly short-term. At 38 years old, an agreement for one harvest and around eight million dollars would make sense, especially as a bridge while other internal solutions are developed, or for 2027.
3. Eugenio Suarez
Although he is not a pure first baseman, the Venezuelan enters the scene due to his enormous offensive impact, to the point that he is coming off his second season of 49 home runs, along with 118 RBIs; this last item being a personal brand.
His arrival would allow multiple defensive configurations for manager Carlos Mendoza, who could use his countryman at third and move Mark Vientos to first, or even place Geno himself at first. Of course, with 34 calendars and two appearances in the All-Star Game, Suárez will look for a two- or three-year deal for between 40 and 50 million.
2. Cody Bellinger
The 2019 National League MVP is a more unorthodox alternative, so intriguing. It is true that his name sounds strong to return to the Yankees; However, some reports indicate that landing in Queens is feasible if you receive an offer close to $100,000,000 for three races.
Bellinger’s value lies in his versatility and effectiveness, as he plays at first base and also shines in the outfield, something that would give enormous flexibility to the roster. The risk would be offensive inconsistency, but his star potential remains intact.
1. Alex Bregman
The Mets’ number one option to replace Alonso is to sign Bregman, a three-time All Star and Gold Glove third baseman who opted out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Indeed, acquiring the winner of two World Series rings with the Houston Astros would definitively move the burly Vientos to the first base and reinforce the infield with a complete player, a natural leader and proven in the playoffs.
