The New York Mets signed another potential low-risk, high-reward reliever on Friday in Adbert Alzolay.
The New York Mets have been busy when it comes to signing relievers over the past week.
On January 17, it was announced that New York signed elite left-handed hurler and former Atlanta Braves reliever AJ Minter to a two-year, $22 million deal.
This was a big signing for the Mets, as they desperately needed a southpaw arm who could be relied upon to get some of baseball’s best left-handed hitters (specifically those on the Los Angeles Dodgers) late in games.
And that wasn’t the only reliever signing New York has made over the past week. The Athletic’s Will Sammon broke news on X January 24 by writing, “The Mets and RHP Adbert Alzolay agreed to a minors deal, league sources told The Athletic. It’s a two-year deal; Alzolay had Tommy John surgery last year.”
This is an intriguing signing for the Mets, if only because Alzolay is coming off the Tommy John surgery that Sammon mentioned. Therefore, Alzolay likely wouldn’t be able to return to the mound until sometime in the middle of the regular season.
But if Alzolay can return to the form he showed during the 2023 season (when he amassed a 2.67 ERA and 22 saves in 58 appearances and 64 innings pitched for the Chicago Cubs), he could end up being a major asset in the back of the Mets’ bullpen by the end of the 2025 regular season.
It will be interesting to see if the Mets will look to add additional relievers this offseason or whether they’re content with the bullpen they’ve got heading into the 2025 campaign.
With Alonso’s departure seemingly sealed, Mets turn to untested but promising Baty and seasoned Vientos for first base drills
Mets Prepare for Pete Alonso’s Potential Departure by Shifting Focus to Baty and Vientos
With the impending departure of Pete Alonso from the New York Mets, the team is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential void at first base. Brett Baty and Mark Vientos have been tasked with incorporating first base drills into their offseason training regimen, a strategic move that signals a potential changing of the guard in New York’s infield.
Baty and Vientos Embrace New Challenges: Transitioning to First Base
The decision to have both Brett Baty and Mark Vientos engage in first base drills underscores the Mets’ proactive approach to succession planning. Vientos, having prior experience at first base with significant game time in both the minors and majors, appears to be a natural candidate for the position if Alonso departs. The 25-year-old’s versatility and familiarity with the role could provide the Mets with a seamless transition in the event of Alonso’s exit.
Conversely, Baty, a promising prospect who has yet to log professional innings at first base, faces a new challenge as he navigates the transition to this critical position. With Vientos potentially reclaiming the first base spot, Baty’s focus may shift towards solidifying his role as the team’s starting third baseman, a position where he aims to redeem himself following two lackluster seasons in the majors.
Exploring Alternative Infield Options: Acuña and Mauricio in the Mix
As the Mets contemplate their infield configuration post-Alonso, other prospects such as Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio also emerge as potential contenders for the third base position. Acuña’s offensive prowess showcased towards the end of the previous season positions him as a compelling candidate, provided he can sustain his performance consistency. Meanwhile, Mauricio’s recovery from a season-ending ACL injury sustained in the Dominican Winter League remains a critical factor in determining his readiness to contribute to the team’s infield dynamics.
Mets’ Strategic Maneuvers: Navigating the Alonso Uncertainty
While Alonso’s departure from the Mets remains speculative, the organization’s proactive measures reflect a strategic response to the evolving landscape. By entrusting Baty and Vientos with first base drills, the Mets are priming themselves for a potential transition that could reshape their infield dynamics significantly.
As the Mets navigate the uncertainties surrounding Alonso’s future, the team’s emphasis on developing internal talent and fostering versatility within the infield underscores a commitment to adaptability and resilience in the face of impending changes. Whether Alonso remains in Flushing or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere, the Mets are poised to embrace the challenges of transition with a blend of seasoned experience and promising potential.
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