The New York Mets, after acquiring Juan Soto this offseason, are also pursuing Pete Alonso but could turn to a more affordable option if Alonso departs. According to Newsweek’s Drew VonScio, the Mets might target veteran Josh Bell as a potential replacement for Alonso at first base. Spotrac projects Bell to sign a one-year, $5.2 million deal, which would allow the Mets to allocate more of their budget toward other needs, such as acquiring a third baseman like Alex Bregman.
Bell’s addition would provide a solid bat without consuming a significant portion of their budget, giving them the flexibility to bolster their lineup with additional talent, possibly including Bregman. If Bell can replicate his strong 2021 performance with the Washington Nationals, he could turn out to be a bargain for the Mets in the first base market. While the Mets could move Mark Vientos to first base in the absence of Alonso, signing Bell would offer the additional benefit of allowing them to trade Starling Marte and his contract, with Bell also serving as a potential designated hitter. Adding Bregman would help offset the loss of Alonso’s production, as Spotrac estimates Bregman’s market value at a four-year, $119 million deal.
Bregman hit 26 home runs last season with a .260/.315/.453 slash line, further enhancing the Mets’ offense. Bell, an All-Star and Silver Slugger, is no slouch either, having hit 19 home runs with 71 RBIs last season and totaling 171 career home runs. While losing Alonso would be a significant setback for the Mets, signing both Bregman and Bell could provide a strong solution, with two capable hitters to help fill the gap left by Alonso’s departure.
