The New York Mets added Juan Soto this offseason and are trying to land Pete Alonso as well. However, if Alonso leaves, the Mets could pivot to a cheaper option in free agency to replace him.
Newsweek’s Drew VonScio suggested that the team could turn to veteran Josh Bell to fill their need at first base should Alonso leave. Spotrac projects Bell to sign a one-year, $5.2 million deal. A cheaper option like Bell would add a solid bat while allowing them to spend on a third baseman like Alex Bregman.
“Signing Bell would give the Mets a chance to add a solid bat while also consuming a lot less of the budget. Therefore, they could sign other big-time players — Alex Bregman perhaps– to help make the lineup much more well-rounded,” wrote VonScio. “If they could get Bell back to his 2021 production with the Washington Nationals, Bell could turn into a steal on the first base market.”
The Mets do not have to sign anyone really to play first base if they lose Alonso. They could move Mark Vientos to first base. However, signing Bell would allow them to trade Starling Marte and his contract as Bell could serve as the DH as well.
Adding Bregman would help replace Alonso’s production. Spotrac projects Bregman to sign a four-year, $119 million deal. He hit 26 home runs last season with a .260/.315/.453 slash line.
Additionally, Bell is no slouch at the plate. He is an All-Star and Silver Slugger. He hit 19 home runs and had 71 RBIs last season. He has bounced around the league but has 171 career home runs. Losing Alonso would be a big blow. However, adding Bregman and Bell could give the Mets two solid bats to help replace him.
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