Mets Might Already Regret Letting Pete Alonso Walk

Three reasons why the Mets could be regretting their decision to let the franchise home run leader depart in free agency.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:41pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the complex dynamics of the Mets' roster moves.A cubist interpretation of the Mets' difficult decision to let slugger Pete Alonso walk in free agency, as his replacements struggle to fill the void.NYC Today

The New York Mets made several roster moves this past offseason, including letting star first baseman Pete Alonso walk in free agency. However, after two weeks of the 2026 MLB season, the Mets might already be regretting that decision, as Alonso's replacements have struggled out of the gate while the slugger himself has yet to find his groove with the Baltimore Orioles.

Why it matters

Alonso was the Mets' franchise home run leader and a fan favorite. Letting him walk in free agency was a controversial move, and if his replacements continue to struggle while Alonso eventually finds his footing, it could prove to be a regrettable decision for the Mets as they try to bounce back from a tough 2025 season.

The details

The Mets brought in several new players this offseason, including Freddy Peralta, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert Jr. However, two of Alonso's direct replacements, Bichette and Polanco, have struggled mightily to start the season, hitting just .222 and .200 respectively. Meanwhile, Alonso is off to a slow start with the Orioles, hitting .188 with one home run and three RBIs. The Mets are hoping that Mark Vientos can help fill the void left by Alonso's departure, as the young first baseman is hitting .370 with one home run and five RBIs so far.

  • The Mets made several roster moves this past offseason.
  • The 2026 MLB season is two weeks old.

The players

Pete Alonso

The former Mets first baseman and franchise home run leader who departed the team in free agency this offseason.

Bo Bichette

A new infielder acquired by the Mets this offseason who is struggling at the plate, hitting just .222 with a .505 OPS to start the season.

Jorge Polanco

Another new infielder for the Mets who is hitting just .200 with one RBI and a .564 OPS to begin the year.

Mark Vientos

The young Mets first baseman who has stepped up early in the season, hitting .370 with one home run and five RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“While Alonso hasn't started quickly with the Orioles, neither have Bo Bichette or Jorge Polanco for the Mets.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor the progress of Bichette, Polanco, and Alonso as the season goes on. If Alonso starts to find his groove while his replacements in New York continue to struggle, it could further cement the idea that the Mets made a mistake in letting him walk.

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to let Pete Alonso, their franchise home run leader, walk in free agency this offseason is already looking questionable as his replacements have struggled out of the gate while Alonso himself has yet to find his footing with the Orioles. If this trend continues, it could prove to be a regrettable move for the Mets as they try to bounce back from a tough 2025 season.