The Mets’ first-base search took an early hit Friday when Jake Bauers came off the board in a big way, signing a four-year, $58 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Bauers had been one of the most talked-about names at the position after a strong 2026 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, a year that ended with a World Series title. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the agreement, and the deal gives Bauers an average annual value of $14.5 million.
The 31-year-old put together the best regular season of his career, batting .266 with 26 home runs, 86 RBI and an .874 OPS. His postseason line was much quieter - .191 with a double, a homer and six RBI - but he still earned NLCS MVP honors after hitting .286 with the home run and posting a .983 OPS.
That price tag appears to have pushed the Mets out of the running. New York had been linked by fans to Bauers as a possible fit, but the club is reportedly looking to platoon at first base with Jared Young, and Bauers’ contract likely landed above what they were willing to spend.
With Bauers headed to Fenway, Ty France now looks like the cleaner next step. Will Sammon of The Athletic reported last weekend that France is drawing interest from multiple teams and “could find a deal quickly.”
France would fit as the right-handed side of a platoon with Young, and his glove gives him a clear edge. He posted a Defensive Runs Saved Above Average of 15 at first base this past season, compared with Bauers’ -4.
France also brings a solid bat. In 2026 with the San Diego Padres, the 32-year-old hit .295 with 24 doubles, two triples, 21 home runs and 72 RBI.
If the Mets miss on France, the options thin out fast. Alec Bohm is the next name mentioned, though the fan base is not exactly sold on that idea, and he’s also drawing some interest from the New York Yankees for third base.
There are trade possibilities too. New York could call the Texas Rangers about Jake Burger, the Tigers about Spencer Torkelson, or the Minnesota Twins about Royce Lewis. Lewis doesn’t have a home at third base in Minnesota and could be a lower-cost trade target for the Mets to pair with Young in 2027.
For now, the first major first-base domino has fallen. Bauers is off the market, and the Mets are left waiting to see whether France is the next one to move.
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