The New York Mets' lineup seems to be with an incomplete nucleus after Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a five-year $155 million contract. He followed Brandon Nimmo, who departed the club after being traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for an older Marcus Semien.The lineup currently has Francisco Lindor, their leadoff hitter, with Juan Soto, signed to a fifteen-year $765 million contract, in the 2-hole. But if there are no credible sluggers after them, teams could bat around Soto, getting easy passes into the middle of their lineup.Former pitcher and MLB analyst Ron Darling made his feelings known along these lines on the MLB Network on Wednesday after Alonso's reported contract with the Orioles was made public.“You’ve now paid, unless you get a bat, Juan Soto to walk 150 times a year," Darling said.Fans on social media were divided, with many agreeing with Darling, while others concluded that departing from the core in place since 2019, gives New York the chance to start afresh.Here are a few reactions:"Bingo! Nobody is pitching to him. Brilliant move," a fan wrote.bigblue @bigblue2656LINK@Metsmerized Bingo! Nobody is pitching to him. Brilliant move."They don't need A bat. They need like 4 right now," another fan wrote.Elits21 @elits02LINK@Metsmerized @mikemayer22 They don't need A bat They need like 4 right now"Thank you, Ron. People don’t get that his bat was amazing and going to be impossible to replace. But the protection he provided for Soto can’t be underestimated," a fan opined.Vince Natale @VinceNataleLINK@Metsmerized Thank you, Ron. People don’t get that his bat was amazing and going to be impossible to replace. But the protection he provided for Soto can’t be underestimated."Ron doesn't get. Its hasn't worked with these groups of players. Its time to change the culture. Nimmo, Alonso, McNeil, Diaz all here since 2019 and nothing has happened, just ONE NLCS appearance in 7 seasons," a fan countered.Dr. Manhattan @DrManha00910046LINK@Metsmerized Ron doesn't get. Its hasn't worked with these groups of players. Its time to change the culture. Nimmo, Alonso, McNeil, Diaz all here since 2019 and nothing has happened, just ONE nlcs appearance in 7 seasons."Soto walked 127 times with Pete there," a fan noted.That Mets Guy @metsfan8626LINK@Metsmerized Soto walked 127 times with Pete there 😂"IMO This core wasn’t working, but not because of Pete, or anyone else they trade. The core is centered around Lindor, and I’ve said from day 1, they will not win with Lindor as a key cog," another fan added.JBorelli @JoeB31962LINK@Metsmerized IMO This core wasn’t working, but not because of Pete, or anyone else they trade. The core is centered around Lindor, and I’ve said from day 1, they will not win with Lindor as a key cog. You can’t win battles when you are clowning and patting the opposition on the butt inAside from being the franchise leader in home runs, Pete Alonson showcased his importance in the cleanup spots, driving in 126 RBIs in 2025, second-highest in the National League behind the Philadelphia Phillies, while recording a .272 batting average and .347 On-Base Percentage.Mets reportedly didn't offer a contract to Pete AlonsoThe Mets' contract saga with Pete Alonso had the most dramatic ending after it was reported that Steve Cohen and the Mets management didn't make a formal offer to sign Pete Alonso's services. According to insider Anthony DiComo, the team was uncomfortable with Alonso's market right from the start.Anthony DiComo @AnthonyDiComoLINKThe Mets never made a formal offer to Pete Alonso, per source, as it became clear to them the bidding was heading to places they weren't interested in going.Orioles' contract for Alonso makes him the highest-paid first baseman in terms of annual average value with a $31 million salary. He is the second former-Met to leave in free agency this week after Edwin Diaz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-year $69 million deal.