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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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New York Mets free agent Pete Alonso's future was reportedly clarified to a certain degree by his former team's latest trade, which sent Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien.
The Mets are looking to change pieces and traits of their team for the upcoming season after failing to qualify for the Wild Card.
New York has one of the largest payrolls in baseball, though it failed to make the postseason, and the season as a whole was considered a failure.
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Already, the Mets dealt a locker room leader and fan favorite for a high-level infield defender, hoping to stop giving up easy runs due to their fielding and upgrade their defense and offensive capabilities.
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While one part of their offseason plan has now been completed, the Mets are facing a decision on the future of first baseman Pete Alonso, another fan favorite who has been a reliable slugger for years now.
He hits the ball well and hard, though his fielding abilities are inferior. He ranked in the 8th percentile in fielding run value, sitting among the worst defenders in the league.
Considering their new focus on fielding, it is fair to question how much they will be willing to pay for such a liability at first.
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Per MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, the Mets still have an appetite to re-sign Alonso, and the trade of Nimmo does not change their approach.
"Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns wanted to shake up the Mets’ core a little following their disappointing 2025, and this trade certainly accomplishes that. The Mets have maintained their interest in re-signing Alonso, so this trade shouldn’t have much impact on that pursuit," Feinsand wrote.
"By acquiring Semien, the Mets have more flexibility regarding their roster plan this winter. Semien takes over at second base, allowing McNeil or Benge to play left field -- if they don’t sign Tucker or Bellinger. Either McNeil or Benge could also wind up in center field depending on how the winter shakes out.
"Semien joins shortstop Francisco Lindor and third baseman Mark Vientos in the infield, though Vientos could move to first base if Alonso signs elsewhere, opening the door for Brett Baty -- or a third baseman from outside the organization (Alex Bregman?) to take over the hot corner."
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If the Mets want to improve their defense, it may be best to move Alonso to the designated hitter slot and put Vientos at first base, helping the defense without sacrificing their offense.
Even if it does not become a full-time thing, limiting Alonso's time at first base would help accomplish one of the front office's goals.
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