MLB Insider: Mets May Love If Pete Alonso Leaves and Christian Walker Signs Contract

The New York Mets could have a big hole to fill if star first baseman Pete Alonso joins another team in free agency, but it sounds like they would welcome the chance to replace him with another veteran slugger.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi named first baseman Christian Walker as a likely target for the Mets if Alonso signs elsewhere, saying, "I could see the Mets pivoting and loving it."

Morosi added that Walker is expected to receive a contract for "fewer total dollars and fewer years" than what Alonso will command on the open market, making him an attractive option for teams in need of a first baseman.

Walker began his major league career with the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and joined the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017. The 33-year-old appeared in 130 games for the D-backs this past season and hit .251 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. It was his third straight year hitting 25 or more homers, and he earned his third consecutive Gold Glove Award for his performance in the field.

Alonso has been the face of the Mets since he made his major league debut in 2019. When New York's 2024 campaign ended with a loss in the NLCS in six games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he expressed his love for the franchise but didn't indicate which way he was leaning in his first foray into free agency.

The 29-year-old is expected to be one of the most coveted players on the open market, which would make it difficult for the Mets to retain him. However, adding Walker would undoubtedly be a perfect fall-back option.