Replacing the kind of power production Pete Alonso consistently provided is no small task for the New York Mets this offseason. Alonso, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s offense for several seasons, departed in free agency, leaving a glaring hole in the middle of the Mets’ batting order. The challenge for the front office now is finding a player—or combination of players—capable of filling that void, not just in terms of home runs, but also in providing the consistent run production and protection that Alonso offered to teammates like star outfielder Juan Soto.
The Mets made their first move in this direction by signing veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, a versatile player who had one of the best offensive seasons of his career recently. Polanco, who has spent most of his career with the Minnesota Twins, brings an array of skills that could benefit New York in multiple ways. While Polanco is primarily known as a middle infielder, the Mets have plans to utilize him at first base as well as in the designated hitter role. This dual-position flexibility allows the Mets to cover multiple roster needs with one signing, especially in the wake of Alonso’s departure.
Polanco’s offensive profile makes him an attractive option for the Mets. He posted impressive numbers recently, demonstrating a blend of power, contact ability, and on-base skills. Although he’s not an Alonso-level slugger, Polanco brings a reliable bat that can contribute to the lineup’s depth, particularly from the left side of the plate. His ability to hit for both average and power means that he can serve as a stabilizing presence in a lineup that is seeking new power sources. Still, Polanco alone likely won’t completely replace the raw home-run threat that Alonso brought, especially in high-leverage spots in the middle of the order.
Because of this, it seems the Mets are keeping their options open regarding other first base or middle-of-the-order power sources, particularly those who can complement Soto and bring right-handed pop to the lineup. One name that has recently surfaced in discussions is St. Louis Cardinals slugger Willson Contreras. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Mets have expressed interest in Contreras, noting that New York is “continuing to evaluate how he’d fit” into their roster. This isn’t the first time Contreras has been linked to the Mets; earlier this month, John Denton of MLB.com also reported on the potential connection, tying it directly to Alonso’s exit.
Contreras, a 33-year-old veteran, would bring several appealing attributes to the Mets if a trade were possible. First and foremost is his offensive capability. Contreras has consistently been a threat to hit 20-plus home runs annually when healthy, and he combines this power with advanced metrics that suggest quality contact and above-average bat speed. In the most recent season, Contreras slashed .257/.344/.447 over 135 games, hitting 20 home runs and posting a career-high 31 doubles. Over his decade-long career, including seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs before joining St. Louis, Contreras has maintained a career batting average of .258 with an .811 OPS, demonstrating consistent production at the major league level. While he may not replicate Alonso’s elite power numbers, he could serve as a formidable right-handed complement to Soto and add balance to a Mets lineup that has traditionally relied heavily on left-handed power.
Defense is another area where Contreras could provide significant value for the Mets. One of the challenges with Polanco is that he has no experience at first base and is generally considered a weaker defender across the infield. Contreras, by contrast, played his first full season at first base recently and performed well in that role. Statcast metrics measured him as a plus defender, particularly in terms of outs above average, indicating that he can hold his own in the field. This combination of offense and defensive reliability makes him a multifaceted option for New York, capable of contributing in multiple ways beyond just home runs.
It’s worth noting that Contreras does have a no-trade clause, meaning any potential trade would require his approval. According to Goold, Contreras has indicated that he would prefer to remain with the Cardinals but is open to considering a move if the team or city is agreeable to his family. This adds a layer of complexity to any potential Mets pursuit but doesn’t eliminate the possibility entirely. For a team in New York with championship aspirations, the appeal of joining a contending roster could factor heavily into his decision-making.
If the Mets were to acquire Contreras, it would help address multiple needs simultaneously. Offensively, he would provide right-handed power to protect Soto, ensuring that opposing pitchers cannot simply challenge the superstar outfielder without risk of consequence. In addition, his presence would provide flexibility in the infield, allowing Polanco to see time at designated hitter or first base while ensuring that defensive performance isn’t compromised. Contreras’ experience in high-pressure situations, both in St. Louis and previously with Chicago, would also bring veteran leadership to a Mets clubhouse that will need guidance as it integrates new talent and seeks to contend in a competitive National League East.
From a strategic standpoint, pairing Polanco and Contreras could create an intriguing middle-of-the-order dynamic. Polanco offers versatility and consistent offensive production, while Contreras brings right-handed pop, veteran presence, and defensive competence. Together, they could form a middle-of-the-lineup duo capable of generating runs in multiple ways: Polanco through contact, on-base skills, and occasional power; Contreras through raw slugging, gap power, and situational hitting. This combination would also help diversify the Mets’ offensive threats, making it more difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate the lineup without giving up something.
The potential Contreras acquisition would also fit with broader Mets offseason goals. With Alonso gone, New York must explore options that go beyond merely filling his home-run total. The team’s front office has indicated a desire to balance offense, defense, and roster flexibility while maintaining a competitive edge in the National League. Contreras, with his two-way value, family openness to relocation, and right-handed bat, checks multiple boxes. Even if he doesn’t entirely replicate Alonso’s numbers, his contributions could be enough to stabilize the lineup and provide a foundation for young stars like Soto to thrive.
It’s also important to consider Contreras’ durability and consistency over time. While injuries have occasionally limited his playing time, when healthy, he is remarkably steady. His combination of home runs, doubles, and on-base skills makes him a reliable contributor over a full season. For a Mets team that will likely enter the 2026 campaign with an emphasis on balancing veteran experience and young talent, adding a player of Contreras’ caliber could help mitigate some of the risk associated with Alonso’s departure.
Of course, the financial implications of such a move would be another consideration for New York. Contreras is an established veteran, and any trade or contract would likely carry a significant cost, both in terms of payroll and possibly in prospect capital. However, the Mets have shown a willingness in recent years to invest in proven major league talent, particularly when it comes to bolstering the lineup for a postseason push. In this context, acquiring Contreras could be viewed as a calculated investment designed to maintain competitiveness in a division that features multiple high-powered offenses.
Defensively, it’s worth emphasizing again that Contreras’ ability to play first base effectively would ease the transition for Polanco and provide insurance against injuries or lineup adjustments. The Mets have struggled in recent seasons with first base defense, and having a player who can contribute both offensively and defensively offers tangible value. Statcast’s metrics suggest that Contreras is above-average in terms of defensive output, which means he isn’t just a temporary patch for Polanco but a player who could legitimately improve the overall infield performance.
In summary, the Mets’ offseason is shaping up as a careful balancing act. With Alonso’s departure, the team faces the dual challenge of replacing elite power and maintaining offensive balance while also ensuring defensive competence. Signing Jorge Polanco was a positive first step, giving the Mets a versatile bat that can play multiple positions and contribute consistently. Yet, the team clearly recognizes that additional moves may be necessary, particularly in acquiring right-handed power to complement Juan Soto.
Willson Contreras represents an intriguing option in this regard. His combination of home-run ability, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership could help fill multiple needs simultaneously. While he isn’t an exact replacement for Alonso, his presence could stabilize the middle of the order, provide protection for the team’s stars, and offer a reliable first base option alongside Polanco’s flexibility. Contreras’ potential willingness to consider a move that works for his family, combined with the Mets’ competitive roster, makes the possibility of a trade or signing worth exploring.
Ultimately, the offseason strategy for New York will likely involve balancing multiple options to create a lineup that can compete immediately while maintaining long-term flexibility. Polanco provides the foundation, and if the Mets can successfully add a player like Contreras, they would address one of the most pressing needs created by Alonso’s exit. With smart roster management, thoughtful evaluation of potential acquisitions, and a focus on both offense and defense, the Mets could enter the next season with a lineup capable of challenging for the division title, even without their longtime slugger in the middle of the order.
Replacing Pete Alonso’s power production is no simple task, but through strategic acquisitions, smart roster flexibility, and careful evaluation of talent like Willson Contreras, the Mets have a path to maintaining a potent, balanced offense. Polanco and Contreras, if paired effectively, could form the backbone of a middle order that protects Juan Soto, produces runs consistently, and provides stability both at the plate and in the field. While nothing is guaranteed, these moves demonstrate a front office focused on both immediate competitiveness and long-term sustainability, signaling that New York is committed to remaining a force in the National League East for years to come.
