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The New York Mets suffered massive setbacks this week as the NL East team lost former All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Diaz's departure was followed by franchise star Pete Alonso signing with the Baltimore Orioles in free agency.
Alonso, who was expected to re-sign with the Mets in free agency, signed a five-year $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, as per AP News. With Alonso signing for the AL team, the Mets have a hole at first base.
According to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe, the Mets are discussing a move for veteran infielder Paul Goldschmidt. The 38-year-old could fill the hole at first base, with Jeff McNeil also possibly being part of the platoon role.
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Goldschmidt spent the 2025 season with crosstown rivals the New York Yankees and slashed .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. The veteran slugger could be the Mets' option against left-handed pitching as he went .336/.411/.570 against lefty pitchers last season. Meanwhile, McNeil could be an option against right-handed pitchers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to strengthen the roster despite back-to-back World Series wins. The NL West team has been linked with All-Star slugger Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker in free agency.
While signing Bellinger or Tucker will undoubtedly strengthen the hitting order, the reigning World Series winners are reportedly not willing to go beyond five years in a deal for either outfielder, as per DodgersNation and The Athletic.
Dodgers unlikely to pursue long-term deals this offseason
The Dodgers' reported reluctance to offer long-term deals for either Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker is in line with their deal for All-Star closer Edwin Diaz.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Diaz wanted a long-term deal with the Dodgers, but the NL West team didn't want to go beyond three years.
"This deal came together quickly," Passan said. "The thought was that Edwin Díaz was looking for five years, might get four years, the Dodgers did not want to go any more than three years. But putting that $69 million out there—the highest average annual value ever for a closer— the Mets simply were not going to match that."
It remains to be seen if Bellinger and Tucker decide to forego their intentions of a long-term deal in favor of a move to a contending team.
