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First base still major Mets question after letting Pete Alonso walk — here are potential answers
The Mets still have an unsettled first-base position a year after Pete Alonso left in free agency. Jorge Polanco was expected to fill the gap, but injuries limited him, and the players who took over produced mixed results. The uncertainty is a key roster question as the club begins its offseason meetings.
Jared Young got much of the playing time last season and offered a promising option, batting .266 with a .330 on-base percentage and .429 slugging percentage. He hit nine home runs in 342 plate appearances. Pitching remains the Mets’ main offseason priority, but first base is also under consideration.
In short
- Alonso’s departure left the Mets without a settled first baseman.
- Polanco’s injuries disrupted the planned replacement.
- Jared Young hit .266 with nine homers in 342 plate appearances.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Mets could reasonably keep the position open to internal options such as Jared Young, whose solid batting line offers a promising base to build on. With pitching the greater offseason need, avoiding a costly first-base signing could let the club direct resources where they matter most while giving Young room to develop.
The case against
A club aiming to contend could argue that a season of mixed production and injuries has left too much uncertainty at a key position. Adding a proven first baseman would provide more dependable offence and reduce the risk of relying on Young’s limited track record, even if it means committing money or trade assets.