After coming up just two wins short of the 2024 World Series, the New York Mets are poised to be one of MLB’s most active teams this offseason. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is pursuing outfielder Juan Soto, but first baseman Pete Alonso and starting pitcher Corbin Burnes seem like ideal fits for the team.
While Soto would significantly boost the offense, his position isn’t an urgent need for the Mets. The team has a glaring vacancy at first base with Alonso entering free agency, and the starting rotation needs reinforcements as Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino have also hit the open market.
Even if the Mets can land Soto on what could be a record-breaking contract, Stearns must address these other priorities. According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, Burnes and Alonso are “perfect fits” for New York.
The 30-year-old Burnes has been linked to the Mets since free agency began. His familiarity with Stearns, from their time together in Milwaukee, adds to the potential for a deal. A consistent top performer, Burnes has made at least 28 starts every year since 2021, posting a 2.94 ERA and 858 strikeouts over his last 757 innings. Pairing him with Kodai Senga atop the rotation would give manager Carlos Mendoza a formidable one-two punch. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects Burnes will command a seven-year, $217 million contract.
Alonso, a familiar face in Queens, has been a key part of the Mets’ offense since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2019. With 226 career home runs—already third in franchise history—he has never had a full season with fewer than 34 home runs or 88 RBIs. His consistent power makes him invaluable in any lineup.
While committing a nine-figure contract to a first baseman entering his age-30 season carries some risk, it’s one the Mets can comfortably afford. Britton projects Alonso to sign a five-year, $140 million deal, a significant investment but one that secures essential production for the team.
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