The Mets wanted to make Pete Alonso a prime hitter

Pete Alonso has never been known for his defense, and the New York Mets wanted to improve their defense. We all agree that this is one reason why he left the Big Apple for Baltimore.

But it's not the only reason, since the money offered to the player and the number of years on his contract are obviously at the heart of the story.

In fact, it's somewhat related: the Mets didn't want to put too much money on an ordinary player defensively at first base (we'll see how good the defense will be with Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette in the corners, though), which affected the offer made to Pete Alonso.

It's worth noting that the Mets, who offered their star three years because they think he'll age poorly, wanted to make the Polar Bear a premium hitter.

As Joel Sherman wrote in a piece on the subject, the Mets wanted Pete Alonso to be a pinch-hitter five times a week. We know that's not his preference.

We're told he was open to the idea.

Inside Mets' star-studded overhaul that comes with historical caveat https://t.co/FAfIU8iPHo pic.twitter.com/N6WM1PbzUT

– New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 24, 2026

Those who think the star would do anything to leave New York are, in my opinion, mistaken. After all, many players don't like being DH, but Alonso thought about it, regardless.

The small contract that came with it was not desirable, however, in his case. It would have hurt too much.

I don't think the Mets have an elite team, no matter how good they are. We'll see if the changes will take them to the next level, which is to make the playoffs and not be out of it like October 5.

To be continued in the coming months.

This content was created with the help of AI.