Pete Alonso Lands in Baltimore, Not Boston or Queens - So Where Do the Mets Turn Now?
Pete Alonso heading to the Orioles wasn’t on many people’s offseason bingo cards. For months, it felt like a two-team race between the Mets and Red Sox, but Baltimore came in strong and locked up the slugging first baseman for the next five seasons. That move not only reshapes the AL East but leaves the Mets scrambling to fill a major hole in the middle of their lineup - and in the heart of their clubhouse.
The first base market in free agency has depth, but it’s light on true impact bats. So now, the Mets are pivoting - and the name heating up the most on the trade front is Willson Contreras.
Contreras: A Catcher-Turned-First Baseman on the Rise
Contreras, once an All-Star behind the plate, has transitioned into a full-time first baseman - and the early returns have been impressive. He’s owed just under $40 million over the next two seasons, and while his offensive numbers don’t quite match Alonso’s thunder, they’re nothing to scoff at. Twenty home runs and 80 RBIs last season, paired with surprisingly strong defense at a new position, make him one of the more intriguing trade chips available this winter.
The Cardinals have been fielding calls, and interest is growing - particularly from Boston. The Red Sox have been linked to Contreras in recent days, and there’s real traction there. Former Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom, now with the Cardinals, could be a key connector in a potential deal that sends Contreras to Fenway.
Mets and Red Sox in the Same Market - Again
Boston and New York are shopping in the same aisle this offseason, both looking for a long-term solution at first base. The Red Sox already made a splash by acquiring pitching help in a deal with St.
Louis, sending two arms in exchange for Sonny Gray. Now, there’s buzz that another trade between the two clubs could be in the works - this time for Contreras.
That would be a blow for the Mets, who were widely expected to either retain Alonso or pivot to a similar power bat. Contreras isn’t Alonso at the plate, but his glove and versatility - not to mention his contract - make him a compelling option.
Mets Front Office Has History With the Red Sox
David Stearns and Boston’s Craig Breslow have a recent history of making deals, though most have been smaller-scale. Think Rule 5 pick Justin Slaten going to Boston, or Pablo Reyes heading to New York for cash. But there was one notable exchange this past summer, when the Mets acquired Ryan Helsley - a deal that cost them three prospects and didn’t exactly pan out over a tough two-month stint.
Still, the lines of communication are open, and both front offices know how to work with each other. That could matter as the Contreras sweepstakes heat up.
Cardinals in a Strong Position to Leverage the Market
From St. Louis’ perspective, this is shaping up perfectly.
They’re looking to shed salary, and with multiple teams now seriously eyeing Contreras, they can afford to wait for the best offer. The Nolan Arenado trade talks from last year never materialized, in part because the Cardinals weren’t willing to eat enough of the money or didn’t like the return packages.
But Contreras’ situation is different. He’s playing well, he’s healthy, and he’s under contract for just two more years - a manageable commitment for win-now teams like Boston and New York.
If the Mets want in, they may not have to part with any of their top-tier prospects. The Cardinals are believed to be looking for a mix of near-MLB-ready talent and younger players with upside. That’s similar to the framework of the Helsley deal, where the Mets sent over three prospects unlikely to debut before 2027.
What’s Next for the Mets?
Losing Alonso stings - there’s no sugarcoating that. But the Mets aren’t in full teardown mode.
They’re in a reset, trying to stay competitive while building something more sustainable. Contreras could be a piece that fits both timelines: a solid bat, a strong glove, and a short-term commitment that doesn’t block future flexibility.
But with Boston lurking - and perhaps leading - the Mets will need to move quickly if they want to stay in the mix. The first base market may be deep, but the list of difference-makers is short. And with Alonso now in orange and black, the pressure is on in Queens.