Since the 2025 season wrapped up after 162 games of regular baseball, everyone in the Mets organization has had plenty to say. The conversation started when their All-Star first baseman walked into free agency the moment the season ended, sending shockwaves through Citi Field. Then came the front office, laying out exactly what they’d need from their home run king if he wanted to come back. And here’s the interesting part—Juan Soto himself has made it clear he wants to play more with him. So, will he? Might be!
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The buzz is being around Pete Alonso, the Polar Bear who’s been crushing baseballs in Queens since 2019. His decision to test free agency has dominated every conversation, from analysts to fans, about his return to Citifield.
So, when Juan Soto stepped up and said, “He’s one of the best power hitters in this generation. I really enjoyed my moment with him in a Mets uniform, and I hope we can have more times together. We can have fun together,” it wasn’t just friendly talk. Soto was sending a message that his presence matters.
Well, it looks like the front office has been listening.
Carlos Beltran recently weighed in, as reported by SNY, and his words carried weight.
“Pete Alonso is another guy that is going to be on the market—I hope we can bring those guys back, the front office and the team upstairs are going to do the best we can to make that happen.” That’s not just hope speaking. That’s the organization acknowledging what needs to happen.
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The prediction floating around is that Alonso will land a seven-year deal worth $210 million.
After the disappointment of missing the postseason despite having Soto in the lineup, losing Pete might sting even more. He knows the clubhouse culture, understands what makes this team tick, and brings that institutional knowledge.
The pressure is real—Soto chose the Mets over the Yankees in that massive $765 million deal, and watching the season end without playoff baseball created an urgency.
Meanwhile, Alonso made his feelings known when he opted out, saying, “I’ve loved being a Met.” Those aren’t just exit interview pleasantries.
He’s shown he’s willing to meet the organization halfway, too, accepting the DH role the front office has been pushing for instead of staying at first base full-time. That flexibility matters.
Picture this: Alonso, Juan Soto, and Francisco Lindor forming a trio in the middle of that lineup. With David Stearns noting that “Juan Soto will work on improving defense this offseason,” the pieces are aligning for something special.
The front office is clearly trying to build something around Juan Soto, and keeping Alonso would be one step closer. The $210 million question is whether they’ll actually pull the trigger.
But here’s the catch—if Alonso does move to DH, the Mets can’t just leave first base empty. They’ll need to act fast to find someone who can hold down that position while the lineup gets its punch from the designated hitter spot.
Securing the first-base upgrade before Alonso’s shift
If Pete Alonso moves to the designated-hitter role, the New York Mets will need to quickly decide on a first base replacement. Acting swiftly will strengthen the roster around Juan Soto and show the clubhouse that the team is committed to winning.
Cody Bellinger is one of the names who is getting a lot of attention. As per reports, he fits the Mets very well: he can play defense in a variety of ways, and he is valuable on offense.
Bellinger is “an above-average defender at all three outfield spots,” and he “can play a mean first base” as well, which is very crucial.
If GM David Stearns really wants to improve the team’s agility and defensive flexibility, Bellinger has the skills that the Mets want.
Bellinger’s bat has real potential, along with his glove and ability to play many positions. His strikeout percentage of only 13.7% in 2025 was quite low compared to many sluggers in today’s game. With matching what the Mets really need, a power hitter at first base.
He is a rare player because he can both make contact and hit for power, and the Mets couldn’t afford to miss him.
Also, Bellinger’s ability to hit left-handed pitchers is a strategic plus. He hit an amazing .353 against left-handers in 2025, giving the Mets a weapon they can use late in games or in October, when left-handed pitchers are often used.
That split offers him more value than just his daily job. In short, the Mets should make Bellinger their top priority this offseason, along with Alonso.