Mets Confident They Have Alonso’s Replacement, Report Says!
The Mets are considering Mark Vientos as a potential replacement for Pete Alonso at first base, despite his limited experience at the position—just 89 innings over 14 games. While there’s internal confidence that Vientos can handle first base if needed, the key question is whether he can perform consistently at a high level over a full season. First base requires skills in fielding, positioning, and communication, which Vientos has not yet had the chance to prove on a large scale.
The Mets appear to be moving away from re-signing Alonso, possibly due to his contract demands and their interest in exploring other options. Vientos, though promising offensively, would likely face a steep learning curve if given the full-time first base job. His offensive numbers in 2024—27 home runs and a solid .837 OPS—have drawn attention, but his defensive struggles at third base (minus-6 OAA) raise concerns.
While Vientos‘ fielding issues are notable, Alonso’s even worse defensive performance at first base (minus-8 OAA) could make Vientos’ move to first base more viable. Alonso’s power-hitting ability has been key for the Mets, but his defensive struggles might not justify the significant contract he would demand. If Vientos can adjust defensively and maintain his offensive production, he could provide a similar offensive contribution without the same defensive concerns.
The Mets may also save money by not re-signing Alonso, which could be used to improve other areas of the team. Vientos’ potential shift to first base remains uncertain, but given his offensive potential and Alonso’s defensive liabilities, it could be an intriguing solution for the Mets moving forward.
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