The New York Mets are facing a hectic off-season ahead. Several key players who contributed to their run to the National League Championship Series are now free agents and will either need to be replaced or re-signed.
One of the most glaring needs for the Mets is at first base. Since 2019, Pete Alonso has been a standout at the position, showcasing impressive power that has often been a game-changer.
However, Alonso is now a free agent, and his contract is up. While the Mets likely want to bring him back and Alonso has expressed a preference to return, negotiations don’t always unfold as expected.
If the Mets can’t re-sign Alonso, they’re reportedly targeting Christian Walker, a two-way star, to fill the first base spot.
The Mets could turn to Walker if they don’t re-sign Pete Alonso
“NEWS: The Mets are among the teams planning to “aggressively pursue” Christian Walker, per @BNightengale,” Mets Batflip posted on X.
Walker had an impressive 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting 26 home runs and posting an .803 OPS, all while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. He’s also shown consistency, as demonstrated by his 33 homers, 103 RBI, and .830 OPS in 2023.
The main concern with the Mets potentially signing Walker to a multi-year deal is his age. By the start of the 2025 season, he will be 34, and there may be some risk in committing to him long-term as he enters the latter part of his career.
Walker is an underrated athlete who has remained mostly healthy over the past few years, which adds to his appeal.
The Mets’ pursuit of him will likely depend on the market. While Alonso is probably their top priority, if they can’t bring him back, the Mets are expected to act swiftly and aggressively to secure Walker as their next first baseman.
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