The post-Pete Alonso era is dawning in Queens, and the New York Mets could be facing the monumental task of replacing their franchise icon. With Alonso and his prolific power possibly departing in free agency after the 2025 season, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns could have a massive, Polar Bear-sized hole to fill at first base. The free-agent market is notoriously thin, with Josh Naylor representing the best (and still inferior) option, forcing the Mets to turn to the trade market.
Naturally, this has led to conversations with the Tampa Bay Rays, a frequent trade partner for forward-thinking front offices.