The New York Mets have never been shy about making big moves, and this offseason was no exception. They reeled in superstar outfielder Juan Soto, adding yet another powerful bat to their lineup. But even with this major acquisition, the front office has been juggling several key roster decisions, including one that could have long-term implications at first base.
Pete Alonso has been a cornerstone for the Mets, mashing home runs and providing a consistent offensive force at first base. However, his future with the team remains uncertain. Alonso can opt out of his deal after the World Series, potentially leaving the Mets with a glaring hole at first. Losing a player of his caliber wouldn’t just be a statistical blow—it would be an identity shift. As he’s affectionately known, the Polar Bear has been a fan favorite, and his absence would leave an undeniable void.
Enter Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
As speculation swirls about Alonso’s future, another name has started to surface—Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Toronto Blue Jays slugger and 2021 AL MVP is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, and given that he and the Blue Jays couldn’t agree on an extension before his self-imposed deadline, the rumor mill is in full swing.
Guerrero possesses the kind of offensive firepower that teams dream of—a smooth, powerful swing that generates both high batting averages and tape-measure home runs.
Steve Cohen’s Perspective
Mets owner Steve Cohen, known for his deep pockets and aggressive approach to roster building, addressed the growing speculation on Tuesday.
“He’s a great ballplayer,” Cohen acknowledged when asked about Guerrero. “Once again, I’ll worry about that next year. Obviously, with payroll considerations—you really can’t have too many long-term contracts because then you lose your roster flexibility. So you gotta be really careful. But I’ll let my baseball people make that decision.”
Cohen’s comments highlight the delicate balancing act the Mets must perform. While adding another superstar is always enticing, financial flexibility remains a crucial factor in building a sustainable contender. Long-term deals can be like anchors—sometimes they keep a team steady, but they can also weigh down a roster if not managed carefully.
The Perfect Fit?
While the Mets have yet to decide whether they’ll make a serious run at Guerrero, the pieces are already in place for a potential match. The Mets boast a strong core, financial muscle, and a clubhouse filled with Latin American stars who could make Guerrero feel right at home. If Alonso walks, Guerrero could slide in seamlessly, bringing his high-contact, high-power profile to Queens.
In 2024, Guerrero slashed .323 with 30 home runs and a .940 OPS in Toronto, numbers that would make any GM salivate. His bat speaks for itself, and if the Mets find themselves needing a new first baseman, they might just be willing to pay the price to land him.
For now, though, the Mets will focus on the present, knowing full well that next offseason could bring yet another blockbuster decision.