The ongoing free agency saga between first baseman Pete Alonso and the New York Mets remains unresolved. As the Mets’ homegrown star considers his options, his return to Queens is far from guaranteed. While Alonso’s next move is uncertain, the Mets may already be exploring alternatives. One intriguing possibility involves Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson as a potential replacement. Could the former No. 1 overall pick be the answer to the Mets’ looming first base void?
Torkelson, selected first overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, has shown flashes of his potential but has also faced his share of challenges. After a tough start to his career, he made noticeable strides in 2023, posting a .758 OPS with 31 home runs and 94 RBIs across 684 plate appearances. However, his progress stalled in 2024, as his numbers dipped to a .669 OPS with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs in 381 plate appearances. Despite his struggles, Torkelson’s underlying talent and long-term upside keep him an attractive option for teams looking to build for the future.
Detroit’s 2025 infield plans could leave Torkelson on the outside looking in. The Tigers have reshaped their lineup, with Gleyber Torres expected to take over at second base and Colt Keith likely to assume first base duties. With these changes, Torkelson might find himself surplus to requirements in Detroit. According to a report from SI.com’s Pat Ragazzo, the Mets are considering a trade for the 25-year-old as a potential solution should Alonso depart.
“Torkelson has four more years of team control and is the type of player that would seemingly fit the mold of David Stearns’ philosophy on player acquisition,” Ragazzo noted. “He also brings solid defense at first base and would allow Mark Vientos to continue developing at third base. While time will tell, it seems increasingly likely that the Mets and Pete Alonso are heading toward a breakup.”
Torkelson’s team-friendly contract adds to his appeal. The slugger isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2026 and is projected to earn a modest $800,000 in 2025, according to Spotrac. For the Mets, this represents a low-cost, high-upside option to address a significant lineup hole. However, trading for Torkelson would also introduce a new element of uncertainty for the team, especially as they adjust to their record-breaking investment in outfielder Juan Soto.
The Mets face a pivotal moment in their roster construction, particularly as Alonso’s potential exit looms large. While Torkelson may not immediately replicate Alonso’s production, his age, contract situation, and defensive capabilities make him an intriguing candidate for a long-term solution at first base. Whether the Mets ultimately pursue this route remains to be seen, but the possibility underscores the team’s need to prepare for a future without their beloved “Polar Bear.”
As the offseason unfolds, the Mets’ decisions will undoubtedly shape not just their 2025 lineup but their trajectory for years to come. Will Torkelson become a cornerstone of a new era in Queens, or will Alonso find his way back to the team that developed him into one of baseball’s premier sluggers? Time will tell, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for both the Mets and their fans.
BREAKING: Mets agrees Blockbuster Trade deal for former No. 1 pick to Replace Pete Alonso
