Mets’ slugger Pete Alonso is taking some grounders at third base

Sep 27, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) celebrates with third baseman Todd Frazier (21) after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets’ position players reported to the team spring training camp this week, as they continue to prepare for what will be an exciting 2021 season. The organization invested a lot of money and resources to put the best possible roster on the field, and it now looks like one of the favorites to make some noise deep in October.

The Mets brought several starting pitching reinforcements, most notably Carlos Carrasco (in the same trade that netted the club star shortstop Francisco Lindor) Taijuan Walker, Marcus Stroman, Jordan Yamamoto, Joey Lucchesi and Jerad Eickhoff.

They also welcomed two impact relievers in Trevor May and Aaron Loup; plus Lindor, outfielders Albert Almora and Kevin Pillar, and infielder Jonathan Villar. Catcher James McCann was also brought to be the starter at the position.

However, the Mets didn’t bring any third basemen, or haven’t to this point. JD Davis is a liability out there in field, but carries monster offensive upside and that’s why acting general manager Zack Scott said this week that they are comfortable with him at the top of the depth chart.

The Mets are very flexible

However, that doesn’t mean the Mets aren’t willing to get creative. Davis will play some, but Jeff McNeil can also defend the hot corner and could potentially do it some nights when Villar plays second.

And, additionally, the Mets are trying slugging first baseman Pete Alonso at third base. Yes! You read that right.

According to New York Daily News’ writer Deesha Thosar, Alonso was seen taking some grounders in the hot corner.

It’s not uncommon for teams to try different things in the early stages of spring training, so the fact that Alonso is taking some reps there should be taken with a grain of salt and could mean nothing later down the road.

However, it’s still a noteworthy development. If Alonso can be a passable third baseman, that could open up more playing time avenues for the Mets’ fellow slugging first baseman, Dom Smith, who broke out last year with a .316/.377/.616 line and 10 home runs in 50 games.

Only time will tell if this is going to be more than just a spring training experiment.