Rockies sportswriter fears first base adjustment for Mets’ $40 million Pete Alonso replacement

Pete Alonso enjoyed a superb 2025 campaign. Impressive on both sides of the ball, Alonso batted .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBI, while being as reliable as ever at first base. He earned his fifth All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award for his strong performances.

When he entered free agency after the season, the New York Mets were expected to re-sign Alonso. Things didn’t work out that way, however, as the outfielder eventually agreed to a five-year, $150 million deal to join the Baltimore Orioles.

The Mets have since signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract. While Polanco is capable of playing the outfield, he is not a specialty first baseman like Pete Alonso is.

For that reason, sportswriter Ryan Spilborghs has his doubts about Polanco’s suitability for the role.

“I love the player of (Jorge) Polanco,” Spilborghs said. “He was DHing and playing second base for the Mariners. For a different overall position, that doesn’t make a lot of sense. He’s not saying he can’t play first base, but we’re talking about a nuanced position. I don’t know. I don’t like it when you sign somebody to a pretty big contract in a new city, with a new team, to take a little risk.

“There’s a lot. The guys that are really good there (first base) are really good for a reason. There’s footwork, there’s timing, there’s the stretch. There’s just a lot of it. I thought the clear first base choice for the Mets would be Mark Vientos. If he (Polanco) is strictly a DH, I’m totally fine with his ability to change, especially as a first baseman. He just caught me off guard, I don’t know if I love that.”

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‘There’s a long offseason left,’ – Mets owner reassures fans despite not being able to retain Pete Alonso

shortly after Pete Alonso ended his time with the Baltimore Oriolesdisappointed the fans shouted Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen.

Responding to criticism, Cohen offered some reassurance when he spoke with Jon Heyman of the New York Post on wednesday

“I totally understand the backlash from the fans,” Cohen said. “There’s a lot of offseason left to put a playoff team on the field.”

After shockingly missing the playoffs in 2025, fans will be hoping Steve Cohen makes good on his promise.