The Mets are not treating first base like a solved problem this winter, even with Jared Young expected to have a real role there next season.
That was the message from president of baseball operations David Stearns on Tuesday in Las Vegas, where he met with the media during the GM Meetings and laid out the club’s thinking at the position. New York wants help there, and Stearns didn’t hide it.
“We think Jared Young has the ability to really be part of a solution there,” Stearns said. “I do think we’re going to look to supplement that. Whether it’s someone who takes regular at-bats, someone who splits time with JY, we’ll see, but I do expect us to supplement that position.”
Young gives the Mets a left-handed bat that can fit into a platoon. In 2026, he hit .275 with a .793 OPS and all nine of his home runs over 280 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers.
But the broader issue at first base last season went well beyond Young. New York struggled badly to replace Pete Alonso’s production, and the rest of the group never stabilized the spot.
Jorge Polanco’s first year with the Mets was interrupted by an early-season injury. Mark Vientos also had another rough season, unable to find steady production on either side of the ball.
Because Young looks like the left-handed piece, the Mets are expected to hunt for a right-handed bat who has a history of punishing lefties. That search could go through free agency or the trade market. Ty France and Paul Goldschmidt are among the free-agent names that fit the profile, and Alec Bohm is another possibility.
“If it’s the right fit, yes,” Stearns said.
That still leaves open the possibility that the Mets could be in the mix for Teruaki Sato and Jake Bauers, both lefties who bring upside but also plenty of risk.
First base may be the only lineup spot the Mets address externally this offseason. Stearns said Marcus Semien will get a chance to win playing time at second base next year, and the team is comfortable with its internal options beyond that, including Brett Baty and prospects such as Jefferson Rojas, Émilien Pitre and Mitch Voit.
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