"For fans, the 2026 season was pronounced over on Dec. 12, when Pete Alonso signed a five-year, $160 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. For David Stearns, the winter was just beginning. Stearns, to the dismay of many fans, built a competitive roster that balanced talent and a positive work ethic. But still, questions remain. With a team as fresh as it is on paper, fans may have a plethora of questions to ask"
"Losing Alonso is a big blow to the Mets' lineup, particularly in the power department, where they lost a bat that produced a strong 38 home runs in 2025 on his way to the franchise's all-time round-tripper record. However, Stearns has cracked the code that the Mets seemingly couldn't figure out last season: balance. Yes, the Mets had a strong front end of their lineup with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Alonso, but following the three stars, there was much to worry about."
"Stearns replaced Brandon Nimmo in the lineup with Jorge Polanco, a switch-hitter with pop and a productive bat, producing a career-high season while batting .265 with the Seattle Mariners. To replace Alonso in the lineup is Bo Bichette, who provides some of the best contact in the sport. In a successful contract year, Bichette posted a .311 batting average, ranking No. 2 in the American League, while tallying 181 hits, the second-most in baseball."
Pete Alonso signed a five-year, $160 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Dec. 12, leaving a significant power void after his 38 home run 2025 season. GM David Stearns assembled a competitive roster emphasizing balance and work ethic. Stearns replaced Brandon Nimmo with Jorge Polanco and swapped Jeff McNeil for Marcus Semien. Bo Bichette joins to fill Alonso's lineup spot, bringing elite contact and a .311 average with 181 hits in a strong contract year. The lineup now emphasizes contact and depth, but concerns persist about lost power and inconsistent production from players like Mark Vientos and Cedric Mullins.
Read at www.amny.com
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