Is the Pete Alonso era over for the New York Mets? While the situation could change quickly, reported negotiations don't appear to be going well. If president of baseball operations David Stearns seriously pursues other ways to fill that hole on his roster, could former New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo be an option?
One popular Alonso pivot for the Mets would include moving Mark Vientos across the diamond from third base to first base. That would allow other young players a chance to grab playing time at the hot corner. Potential options include Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio.
But if the Mets would rather keep Vientos at third and acquire a veteran to plug in at first base, Rizzo could be someone to consider. Ballcap Sports' Jim Riley is predicting the Mets will wave goodbye to Alonso and say hello to Rizzo to round out their infield in his latest batch of free-agent predictions.
"Why not? Give me a one-year deal to go be the first baseman in Queens for the Mets," Riley said. "You keep Mark Vientos at third base, you bring him (Rizzo) in, you've got some power potential here, you've got some leadership here, you've got the one-year deal and then you're moving on and getting into the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sweepstakes next year."
Rizzo is coming off a couple of rough injury-shortened seasons in the Bronx. He's hit .237/.315/.358 with 20 home runs, 76 RBI and 83 runs scored in 796 plate appearances since the start of 2023. However, he does bring veteran leadership and won a World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
It would be an inexpensive gamble, as well. Spotrac has projected Rizzo's market value at one year and $2 million.
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