Mets Pivot to Plan B.

Posted by: Patrick Gorman 1/19/2025

Thursday was filled with a whirlwind of emotions for Mets fans. We start off the day with exciting news as the Mets came to terms with fan favorite Jesse Winker to a one-year deal. This news was followed by one of the biggest shocks of the off-season with SNY"s Andy Martino reporting that "The Mets have pivoted to plan B, post-Alonso. They now consider it the most likely outcome that Alonso will sign elsewhere. They add Winker and will add a reliever, possibly a top one".

Ever since Martino tweeted that out they brought back Jesse Winker which role would be to DH strictly against righties with a possible platoon with Starling Marte (barring if he gets moved to a better situation). Winker didn't have the greatest second half with the Mets posting a .683 OPS, but had some key moments as well during that time such as the walk-off HR against the Orioles. Winker made his presence known in the playoffs posting a 1.168 OPS in 10 playoff games.

On top of Jesse Winker the Mets have also reached an agreement on lefty bullpen arm A.J. Minter to a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year. Minter is someone who is known to be very consistent in his career while being durable (excluding last year). Minter also seems to have comparable numbers to Tanner Scott who is demanding a lot of money for a reliever, so I find this to be a steal of a contract. If the Mets can add another reliever such as David Robertson, Kirby Yates or Ryne Stanek the bullpen could be a bright spot for the 2025 season.

Lastly is my take on the whole what could be messy divorce of Alonso and the Mets. I think that this is simply on both parties in the situation. David Stearns should not pay Pete Alonso more than Matt Olson or Freddie Freeman because he is a homegrown talent. I also can't fault Pete Alonso searching for that pay day he has been waiting for since he came up in 2019. With that being said, I would love Pete Alonso back on a short-term deal with an opt out after one. With all the reports though we could see Pete in a new uniform next year. Trust in David Stearns.