Mets Evaluate First Base Options for 2027 Season
The team seeks a permanent starter at first base following the departure of Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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The New York Mets are actively evaluating internal and external candidates to secure a starting first baseman for the 2027 season. This search follows the exit of former star Pete Alonso and a 2026 campaign where the team rotated eight different players through the position.
Why it matters
The club must stabilize the infield after a failed plan to utilize Jorge Polanco at first base, which was derailed by his batting slump and ankle injury. Finding a reliable replacement is critical to improving the team's offensive consistency in the upcoming season.
Jared Young finished the 2026 season with a .266 batting average and 113 OPS+ while hitting nine home runs. The team is also monitoring external prospects, including Teruaki Sato, who hit 40 home runs in 2025.
The players
Jared Young
He is a 31-year-old infielder who played 74 games for the Mets during the 2026 season.
Pete Alonso
He is a veteran professional baseball player who signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent.
Teruaki Sato
He is a professional baseball player who earned the Central League MVP award in 2025 after hitting 40 home runs.
Jorge Polanco
He is a professional infielder whose 2026 season was hindered by a batting slump and an ankle injury.
Nolan McClain
He is a professional athlete involved in the September 18 collision that resulted in a concussion for Jared Young.
The details
Jared Young remains a candidate for the starting role, though his 2026 season was interrupted by a concussion sustained on September 18 after a collision with Nolan McClain. The organization is currently analyzing a list of external options, including Ty France, Jake Bauers, Alec Bohm, and Paul Goldschmidt.
Timeline
Jared Young played 44 games for the Cubs and Mets between 2022 and 2025.
Jared Young hit 10 home runs during a 38-game stint in the KBO League in 2024.
Jared Young suffered a concussion at Citi Field on September 18, 2026.
Jared Young interviewed with MLB.com regarding his performance on October 1, 2026.
The New York Mets are slated to finalize their starting first baseman in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The search for a new starter marks a departure from the experimental rotation used throughout 2026. This move is essential for the team to regain competitive balance in the division after the departure of a franchise staple.
With 74 games played at the position in 2026, Jared Young stands as the primary internal benchmark for any new acquisition. Any signing will directly impact the team's salary cap flexibility and projected power numbers for the 2027 lineup.
The takeaway
The team must prioritize finding a durable, everyday starter to avoid the inefficiencies that plagued them last season. Consistent performance at first base is statistically tied to the team's ability to maintain high OPS+ figures across the entire lineup.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves and team strategy, visit the New York City Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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