Mets shown interest in Torkelson and Mountcastle

Posted by: Patrick Gorman 01/29/2025

Who knew that at the Mets fan fest this past Saturday would create such buzz in the baseball world. As fans were chanting in unison "We want Pete" Steve Cohen took the mic and gave the most transparent response I have heard come out of New York sports figure in a long time. Cohen stated how he hasn't enjoy these negotiations at all and it is much tougher than the Soto sweepstakes which says a lot considering you had to recruit Juan Soto. Cohen then went on saying "If it stays this way, we're going to have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the players that we have." These comments led to a applause from the fans because the fans appreciated the honesty from the owner.

Nearly 48 hours after Cohen stated the comment on the state of Pete Alonso Jon Heyman of the NY Post stated that "Cohen was back in conversation with Alonso's camp". Heyman also stated how Alonso "desperately" wants to comeback to New York with guys such as Lindor expressing his opinion on wanting Alonso to return. All roads do indeed seem like a Mets and Pete Alonso reunion is very likely, but nothing is official until pen is to paper. While being in conversation with Pete, the Mets are also looking for potential fall back options if they can't retain Alonso. Sports Illustrated reporter Pat Ragazzo that the Mets have had discussions in trading for Ryan Mountcastle from the Orioles and Spencer Torkelson from the Detroit Tigers.

Spencer Torkelson is intriguing considering he has got that number one overall pick attached to his name. Detroit's plan was to have the former number one overall pick to be Miguel Cabrera's successor once Miggy retires and it has not worked out. Torkelson has struggled at the big league level and was even demoted to the minors in August this past season for not performing. With the Tigers moving Colt Keith to first base there has seem to be no room for Torkelson on the MLB roster. This would be an interesting project for David Stearns considering Torkelson is only 25 and has hit 31 HRS and had a 107 OPS+ in 2023. Maybe a change of scenery could benefit him.

Ryan Mountcastle is to me the better option out of the two because he is proven at the big league level. Ever since he made his debut in 2020 Mountcastle has an OPS+ of 114 with 91 HRs along with a .265 Batting Average. Not only can he also play first base at an above average level as he ranks in the 79th percentile in OAA (Outs Above Average), but he can also play left field in a pinch which David Stearns does love his positional flexibility. Pete Alonso's power is prestigious, but Mountcastle would be a defensive upgrade and could be a great stop gap to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.