Mets could sign $152 million shortstop and shuffle infield if Pete Alonso leaves | Sporting News
The New York Mets are facing elimination in the postseason against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Once the season ends and their offseason starts, they will have many key decisions to make.
When outlining free agency first for Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman suggested the Mets could sign him and shuffle the infield if Pete Alonso leaves.
“Mets baseball prez David Stearns acquired Adames for Milwaukee,” wrote Heyman. “Could they use him at third, and move Mark Vientos to first base if Pete Alonso leaves?”
Adames is projected to earn a six-year, $152 million contract, but the reality might be even pricier. Adames had a career year in 2024. He set new career highs in home runs, RBIs and stolen bases.
The Mets’ biggest priority will be keeping Alonso. Alonso turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension in June 2023, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. Spotrac predicts Alonso to sign a six-year, $174 million deal in free agency.
Signing Adames would bring one of the best power hitters at the shortstop position to New York. However, Francisco Lindor has a hold on that position. Adames would have to move to third base and Mark Vientos would occupy first in a world where Alonso signs elsewhere.
Adames has played just 10 games at third base in his entire career. He has never played the position in the big leagues. The last time he played third base was in 2017 with the Detroit Tigers in the Dominican Summer League. Vientos has played 14 games at first base for the Mets.
He does have a connection with David Stearns who was the general manager that brought him to the Brewers.