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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Mets entered scramble mode Wednesday after ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Pete Alonso was finalizing a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
This meant in two days, David Stearns and organization saw Alonso and Edwin Diaz leave. It's going to take a lot for the Mets to regain trust from the fans after losing both players.
Now, the Mets must find an alternative solution to fill their first base void. There are still a lot of options on the table this offseason, but none are likely to produce the way Alonso does. However, there is one option that could be a reasonable replacement, and MLB insider Joel Sherman believes Cody Bellinger is now a great fit for the Mets.
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"Cody Bellinger — like Alonso, a Boras client — is a better fit for the Mets now than ever before," Sherman wrote on X.
Bellinger is flexible in that he can play all three outfield positions as well as first base, although it is highly unlikely he plays right field in Queens as that spot is reserved for Juan Soto. Center field, left field and first base are certainly options for him.
Last season in the Bronx, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 for the New York Yankees along with 29 home runs and 98 RBI. It was one of the best offensive seasons of his career, and now he is looking to cash in as a result of it.
The Mets were one of eight teams mentioned by Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, that have interest in signing him this winter. However, if Boras is upset with the Mets for their treatment of Alonso, that could make things more complicated for Stearns.
Bellinger is being predicted to sign a six-year deal worth approximately $162 million this offseason, an average annual value of $27 million per year.
While he may not be a perfect replacement for Alonso, Bellinger is as close as you can possibly get. Signing him would help heal some of the frustrations that Mets fans are feeling from losing Alonso.
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