Plan B? More Like Plan Brilliant: Why Alex Bregman Could Be the Mets’ Perfect Pivot
The New York Mets have made it clear they’re swinging big this offseason. Cody Bellinger is the current apple of their eye, and landing him would certainly round out an already star-studded outfield.
But if that pursuit stalls, David Stearns and the Mets’ front office shouldn’t be scrambling-they should be pivoting. And the name at the top of that pivot plan?
Alex Bregman.
Let’s be clear: Bregman isn’t just a fallback. He’s a franchise-shaping move in his own right.
The 31-year-old third baseman is projected to command a five-year, $170 million deal-a hefty investment, but one that’s more than justified when you factor in his postseason pedigree, elite bat control, and defensive upside. He just wrapped up a contract year with an .822 OPS, and the deeper numbers suggest he’s still a nightmare for pitchers.
Why Bregman Still Hits Different
Bregman’s 2025 season was a reminder that elite plate discipline and barrel control age well. He slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, but the raw stats only tell part of the story.
His squared-up percentage sat in the 97th percentile-meaning he wasn’t just making contact, he was making loud contact. And when it comes to plate discipline, he was in the 95th percentile for chase rate.
Simply put, he doesn’t swing at junk, and he punishes mistakes.
That kind of approach doesn’t slump. It travels in October. And for a Mets team looking to make a deep postseason run, having a veteran who can grind out at-bats and deliver in high-leverage spots is invaluable.
The Baty Dilemma: Potential vs. Proven
If the Mets do go after Bregman, it’s going to force a tough conversation about Brett Baty. The 25-year-old showed real growth in the second half of 2025, finishing with 18 home runs and a .748 OPS. His 86th percentile bat speed is legit, and when he connects, the ball jumps.
But the issue is when he connects. Baty’s whiff rate sits in the 30th percentile, and his strikeout rate is even lower at the 26th.
That’s a lot of empty swings for a team that’s trying to minimize risk in its lineup. Compare that to Bregman, who strikes out just 15% of the time and ranks in the 92nd percentile in whiff rate.
That’s not just a difference in experience-that’s a difference in reliability.
In the playoffs, where every at-bat is magnified and every out is precious, you want the guy who controls the strike zone like a surgeon. Baty may have the tools, but Bregman has the track record.
Leather Matters: Bregman’s Glove Brings Stability
It’s not just at the plate where Bregman shines. Defensively, he’s a clear upgrade at third base.
Baty held his own last season, grading out slightly above average with 69th percentile range. But Bregman?
He was in the 83rd percentile. That kind of range and consistency at the hot corner becomes even more important when you consider the rest of the infield picture.
With Jorge Polanco expected to split time between first base and designated hitter duties alongside Mark Vientos, the Mets need a steady glove at third to help anchor the defense. Bregman gives them that-and then some.
Trade Chip or Trade Up?
Moving Baty in a potential trade would be a tough pill to swallow for some fans, but it could also be the smart play. His youth, power, and upside make him a valuable asset on the trade market-especially for a team looking to bolster its pitching depth. And if the Mets are serious about contending in 2026, upgrading third base with a proven winner like Bregman is a move that signals intent.
Let’s not forget: Bregman squared up the ball 37.5% of the time last season. That’s elite bat-to-ball skill. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just win games-it wins series.
No Bellinger? No Problem.
If the Mets don’t land Bellinger, there’s no need for panic. In fact, pivoting to Bregman might be the more ruthless, more calculated move. It’s not just about filling a spot-it’s about upgrading a position with a player who brings championship experience, elite contact skills, and defensive reliability.
This is what “win-now” looks like. It’s not just chasing names-it’s building a roster that can handle the grind of October.
And while Baty’s development has been promising, Bregman brings certainty. He brings rings.
And for a Mets team looking to hang its own banner, that’s exactly the kind of player you go out and get.