As the Mets‘ offseason shakes out, the huge domino that will fall regarding the offense is Pete Alonso.
With Alonso a free agent for the second consecutive year, it can be argued that he is the best fit to fill the Mets’ power need and that Alonso’s most logical landing spot is right back in Queens
Advertisement
But with Alonso reportedly seeking a seven-year deal and with his free agency potentially dragging out, New York could be forced to move on without him in order to remove the risk of losing other quality options.
No matter what happens with Alonso, though, the Mets should be looking to add more offense.
If Alonso leaves, New York’s goal should be adding two impact bats.
If Alonso stays, the goal should be adding one other legitimate bat in addition to him.
With Starling Mate‘s $19.5 million off the books and the Mets possibly going internal at center field (with Carson Benge having a change to win the job out of spring training), they should have the wiggle room to make the aforementioned additions.
Advertisement
Should Alex Bregman be near the top of the list?
Here are the pros and cons of signing the infielder…
Alex Bregman / Imagn Images/Envato Elements/SNY Treated Image
PROS
Bregman would bring three important elements to the Mets: a plus bat, plus defense, and leadership.
Offensively, while Bregman might not get back to the heights he experienced with the Astros earlier in his career, he remains an above average hitter.
In 114 games last season for the Red Sox, Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 28 doubles — in a year that was interrupted by a quad strain. The 128 OPS+ he put up was his best since 2022, and he continued to be elite when it came to making contact.
Advertisement
Bregman struck out just 70 times in 495 plate appearances in 2025, and has never fanned more than 97 times in a season.
A look at his advanced numbers show that Bregman was in the 79th percentile in batting run value. And he was near the top of the league in squared-up percentage (97th percentile), chase percentage (95th percentile), whiff percentage (92nd percentile), and strikeout rate (88th percentile).
Defensively, Bregman was strong at third base, where he was in the 83rd percentile and worth 3 OAA (Outs Above Average).
In Boston’s dugout and in the clubhouse, Bregman had a huge impact — something that has been the case throughout his career.
Advertisement
For a Mets team in need of a jolt in the lineup, improved defense, and perhaps some more leadership, Bregman checks all the boxes.
As a bonus, he would also give them a needed right-handed bat in a lineup that is lefty-heavy.
/ © Eric Canha-Imagn Images
CONS
Bregman will be entering his age-32 season in 2026, so it’s fair to believe there could be some serious regression on the back end of the contract he signs.
About that contract…
Despite Bregman being older, most projections have him getting a deal between five-and-seven years.
It’s hard to see any team going to seven years for Bregman and it’s difficult to envision the Mets going to six — or even five. So he could be out of the Mets’ comfort range if a team guarantees him more than four years.
Advertisement
Bregman also doesn’t hit for a ton of power, which could make him a less than ideal fit in a world where the Mets are trying to replace Alonso’s bat.
There’s also the Mets’ glut of infielders to consider.
As of now, Brett Baty is penciled in for significant playing time at third base. There’s also the presence of Jeff McNeil (who could be a trade candidate) and Ronny Mauricio. Looking down the line a bit, Jett Williams — who could profile best at second base — could be an option early in 2026.
VERDICT
Along with Bo Bichette, I would rank Bregman near the top of the list of the free agent position players the Mets should pursue.
Advertisement
While Bregman’s best fit is third base, he could potentially be used at second base in a scenario where New York trades McNeil and/or Williams.
Ideally, a Bregman signing would be paired with the return of Alonso, which would make New York’s lineup truly fearsome.
