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5 Pete Alonso Replacements NY Mets Fans Will and Won’t Like, Including Murakami
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- 5 Pete Alonso Replacements NY Mets Fans Will and Won’t Like, Including Murakami
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The nightmare that many New York Mets fans feared this offseason came to pass this week. After seven seasons and five trips to the All-Star game, Pete Alonso 's time in Queens came to an end when he accepted a five-year, $155 million offer from the Baltimore Orioles .
As fans mourn the loss of their home run king, they must prepare for a replacement to be acquired soon. Some of the options they will and others they won't. With that in mind, let's take a look at five players who could be manning first base for the Mets next season.
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Christian Walker
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The Houston Astros are reportedly looking to slash some payroll and are trying to move first baseman Christian Walker, but he hasn't drawn much interest after a down season. That could benefit New York. President David Stearns does not like adding players in their 30s unless it is for a short-term deal. Walker only has two years left on his contract .
If the club could also get rid of Jeff McNeil 's contract in the deal, Walker does bring a legit power bat to the lineup and the defense the team wants. He won three straight Gold Glove awards from 2022 to 2024.
Cody Bellinger
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The Alonso replacement that would probably satisfy most Mets fans is if they signed Cody Bellinger. The one-time NL MVP is a proven big league batter who brings reliable impact hitter, some speed, and strong defense at both first base and the outfield. The 30-year-old is right in his prime, brings versatility, and if he can be had on a deal no more than four years, he would be a great addition for the club.
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Munetaka Murakami
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While most NY Mets fans don't know much about him, the Japanese import is one of the greatest home run hitters in JPCL history, and is second on the single-season list when he hit 56 three years ago. He has played a lot of third base during his career, but is expected to move to first in MLB. Meaning he could be an above-average defender at the position.
While he won't come cheap, he is only 25 and could help fill the power void left by Alonso's departure.
Paul Goldschmidt
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There have been recent rumblings that seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt is on the Mets' radar and would likely be part of a first base platoon with Jeff McNeil. The 38-year-old's best days are well behind him, and his addition won't thrill New York fans. However, last season he still hit .274, scored 74 runs, and remains a rock-solid defender at first.
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Luis Arraez
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A three-time All-Star who could be had at a Stearns-friendly rate is Luis Arraez. The 28-year-old is reportedly not drawing a ton of interest in free agency due to being a light hitter and a below-average defender. But there is no denying he is an elite contact hitter and has a .317 career average. As a Plan-C option, Arraez makes sense because he would be affordable, can hit, and could be decent at first.
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