If Pete Alonso does not re-sign with the New York Mets in the closing weeks of 2025 Spring Training, one club insider has suggested recruiting another former New York Yankees player to replace him.
After a number of transactions this summer, including awarding Juan Soto a record-breaking contract, the Mets have only a few openings to fill before spring training begins. The club could use one more starting pitcher, and first base remains a major question mark.
Related: A New York Mets insider explains why Pete Alonso will be back in Queens in 2025.
The organization would like to re-sign homegrown All-Star Pete Alonso. Despite their desire for a reunion, the two parties are still at odds over a contract.
While the Mets remain the odds-on favourite to re-sign the 30-year-old, a rival club could sign him before the season even begins.
The Mets could replace veteran and impact first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, Spencer Torkelson, or Yandy Diaz. However, everything will come at a cost. If the organization wants to go with a low-cost alternative to add depth to their infield, Sports Illustrated Mets expert Pat Ragazzo proposed this week that three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo be explored.
In 2024, Anthony Rizzo had 92 games, a.228 average,.301 OBP,.335 slugging percentage,.637 OPS, 8 home runs, 35 RBI, and 38 runs.
Could Anthony Rizzo be a Pete Alonso replacement for the New York Mets?
The former Chicago Cubs star has struggled to stay on the field the past two seasons. A neck injury halted a promising start in 2023. He’s not been the same since. Furthermore, a fractured forearm and subsequent shattered fingers limited him to only 92 games this season.
However, in a demonstration of the type of character he brings to a locker room, he performed admirably during the ALCS and World Series despite severely broken fingertips. Ragazzo detailed why he thinks Rizzo would be an inexpensive and beneficial acquisition to the New York Mets in 2025.
“If Rizzo is healthy, he adds a lot of value defensively and should be able to hit at a league-average level. Rizzo has a fantastic reputation as a clubhouse leader and has spent the last two seasons in the Bronx coaching Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe,” he said.
Anthony Rizzo deal (projected): one year, $12 million.
“The Mets’ clubhouse is run by Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo, who are the clear-cut leaders of the group, but it would help to bring in another veteran presence such as Rizzo, as the Mets did with DH J.D. Martinez in 2024.”
Rizzo would provide depth and an additional option for manager Carlos Mendoza. Furthermore, at 35, it is possible that he still has one more extremely productive season in him.
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