The New York Mets are doing their best to bring back first baseman Pete Alonso without exceeding market value. They’re trying to strike a delicate balance between keeping their fans happy and not paying too much.
At the same time, they’re aware that there’s a strong possibility Alonso could sign with another team. Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed this possibility over the weekend during the Amazin’ Day’s events.
In response, the Mets have been exploring other options for first base. Unhappy with the remaining free-agent choices beyond Alonso, they’ve been engaging in trade talks:
“Along with Tigers’ Spencer Torkelson, the Mets have also discussed a potential trade for Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle as a possible replacement for Pete Alonso,” reporter Pat Ragazzo shared on X.
Ryan Mountcastle might not be a star, but he could be a quietly effective regular for the Mets. He’s a reliable two-way player who contributes both offensively and defensively. Offensively, he has a career 112 wRC+, and defensively, he posted eight Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and two Outs Above Average (OAA) last season with the Orioles.
While he only hit 13 home runs in 2024, he did double 30 times. It’s worth noting that he hit 33 homers in 2021 and 22 in 2022, showing he has considerable power, even if it fluctuates year to year.
With two years of team control left at an affordable rate and turning 28 in February, Mountcastle could be an appealing addition for the Mets. If they manage to acquire him from Baltimore, they’d secure a starting-caliber first baseman who’s both experienced and still in his prime.
