Luis Arráez Could Be Potential Pete Alonso Replacement for Mets

The New York Mets could shift their focus to acquiring Luis Arráez if they lose Pete Alonso.
Oct 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez (4) reacts after an out in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
Oct 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez (4) reacts after an out in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images / David Frerker-Imagn Images

The New York Mets don't appear to be done adding players to their roster this offseason.

The top target for New York's front office appears to be former Mets slugger Pete Alonso. ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported on January 6 that, "Alonso will almost certainly get an opt-out-laden short-term deal, and the Mets do have a gaping hole at first, and until another team steps up, the expectation will be a renewal of vows."

However, that doesn't mean a reunion between Alonso and New York is guaranteed. And SNY's MLB insider Andy Martino reported on January 9 that the Mets might have an intriguing backup plan in mind if Alonso doesn't return to Queens.

"Two-time batting champion Luis Arraez isn’t likely to play for a New York team this season -- but as his name is in the news lately, it’s worth noting that the Mets seem slightly more open to adding him than the Yankees do," Martino wrote.

He later added, "The Mets have not engaged in substantive trade talks with the Padres, either, but could be looking to add a veteran infielder.

"If Pete Alonso signs with another team, Arraez could come into play as a stopgap first baseman, who has an ability to play other infield positions (though at a below-average level)."

In addition to Arráez's world-class hitting ability, his versatility in the infield would be a huge asset. He primarily played first base (61 games) compared to second base (9 games) for the Padres in 2024, but has more overall MLB experience as a second baseman.

While the Mets' focus is currently on Alonso, it seems Arráez could quickly become a target if they lose the Polar Bear.


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Grant Young
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Grant Young covers the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, and Women’s Basketball for Sports Illustrated’s ‘On SI’ sites. He holds an MFA degree in creative writing from the University of San Francisco, where he also played Division 1 baseball for five years. He believes Mark Teixeira should have been a first ballot MLB Hall of Fame inductee.