How the Mets construct their infield this offseason will have a lot to do with two things.
The first is how the Juan Soto sweepstakes play out.
In a world where the Mets sign Soto, it stands to reason that they’ll be less inclined to spend a ton on an external free agent infielder (but you never know).
The second has to do with what happens with Pete Alonso, which could also be impacted by Soto.
If the Mets don’t bring Alonso back, it would likely mean one of two things — signing a free agent first baseman to replace him or shifting Mark Vientos to first base — a position he’s played 14 times in three big league seasons.
If the Mets do bring Alonso back, they could still conceivably sign a third baseman, but that would necessitate making Vientos the designated hitter.
Things could also change if New York trades Jeff McNeil, who right now figures to be the starting second baseman.
Here’s who the Mets’ top five free agent infielder targets should be…
5. Jose Iglesias
We’ll start the list with a player who isn’t a big name and doesn’t profile as a starter, but who should be high on the Mets’ list nonetheless.
From the time Iglesias arrived last season through the end of the regular season, the Mets went 66-40 — the best record in baseball during that span. No, Iglesias did not singlehandedly turn the Mets from a team destined for a losing season into a team that made a magical run to the NLCS.
But Iglesias’ arrival — after he fought doggedly to continue his MLB career after altering his approach at the plate — changed the vibe. Iglesias’ song and the OMG slogan that was borne from it became the Mets’ rallying cry, and his performance on both sides of the ball was incredibly important.
While the Mets’ infield could be crowded when it comes to who starts, they don’t have anyone on their 40-man roster who profiles as a backup infielder capable of playing shortstop, second base, and third base. Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio could be options for that role later in their career, but if they’re on the team from the jump in 2025, it’s likely to be in a more regular capacity.
4. Willy Adames
Adames, who will be entering his age-29 season in 2025, has a strong blend of power (he’s hit 24 or more homers each of the last three seasons) and speed (he stole a career-high 21 bases in 2024).
His strikeout totals are a bit of a concern, but haven’t spiked badly — and are still in an acceptable range.
The potential fit with the Mets isn’t the cleanest, since Adames has played 860 of his 870 career big league games at shortstop (the other 10 have been at second base). But he’s reportedly willing to move off shortstop under the right circumstances.
President of baseball operations David Stearns knows Adames well from his time in Milwaukee, which could possibly benefit the Mets if they decide to pursue him.
3. Christian Walker
Walker is the only player on this list who would fit only if Alonso doesn’t return.
Entering his age-34 season, it shouldn’t take more than three years to land Walker, who has been one of the best offensive first basemen in baseball over the last three seasons.
From 2022 to 2024, Walker slashed .250/.332/.481 (.813 OPS) with 95 home runs, 87 doubles, 281 RBI, and 242 runs scored. He also doesn’t strike out a whole lot, with his highest strikeout total in a season during that span being 133.
Walker is also a truly elite defender at first base, and has snagged Gold Glove awards each of the last three seasons.
2. Alex Bregman
Bregman could fit in a scenario where the Mets re-sign Alonso (Bregman at third base, Vientos at DH) or where they don’t (Bregman at third base, Vientos at first base).
There are reports that Bregman could be seeking an enormous deal, and some projections have him getting as many as seven years and close to $200 million. If that turns out to be where the bidding goes, the Mets should pass. But if Bregman’s deal is reasonable — something like five years — he could make a ton of sense.
Bregman, who has never struck out more than 97 times in a season and who has been one of the best hitters in the game for nearly a decade (and is a strong defender at third base), seems like a better bet than Adames, who is just a year younger and whose strikeout rate isn’t great.
If the Mets believe Bregman’s relatively down 2024 was a blip (he had a 118 OPS+ and the lowest OBP since his rookie season), it could be smart to pounce. Pairing Bregman with Francisco Lindor would give the Mets two of the best all-around infielders in baseball.
1. Pete Alonso
While the Mets could conceivably replace Alonso by sliding Vientos to first base, by signing someone in free agency, or by keeping first base warm until Ryan Clifford is hopefully ready in 2026, there’s really no good argument to do so unless Alonso’s market gets out of control. That’s because Alonso is still a really good player with game-changing power, and has taken the field nearly every game.
What also needs to be noted is that the bond fans develop with certain players should not be dismissed, and players who embrace the city and genuinely want to be a part of it are hard to find. The Mets already have one in Alonso.
What Alonso will get in terms of years and dollars remains to be seen, but it’s hard to see it being more (or argue for it being more) than the $27 million annually Freeman signed for with the Dodgers. Freeman signed that deal ahead of his age-32 season, and got six years. So it won’t be crazy if Scott Boras asks for similar length for Alonso.
But, with no offense intended to Alonso, he is not quite the well-rounded offensive player Freeman is. And he is not the fielder Freeman is. So perhaps a fair deal for Alonso would be something like $125 million for five years.
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