Mets Urged to Pair Juan Soto With $99M Rival Slugger

The New York Mets missed the postseason this year and could lose Pete Alonso in free agency. The team will need to find a way to replace his production.

Only two players have hit more home runs than Alonso since he made his debut, and one of them is available in free agency this year. Kyle Schwarber has been great for the Philadelphia Phillies since he joined the team, and he figures to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.

Dave Dombrowski recently questioned whether Bryce Harper could ever return to being an elite player. If Schwarber feels the same way, he could be interested in a better running mate as he ages. FanSided’s Chris Landers suggested the Mets pair Juan Soto with Schwarber this offseason, with Alonso’s future in doubt.

“New York needs a DH with Starling Marte moving on, and they’ll need to replace Pete Alonso’s pop somehow if the Polar Bear finally walks this winter,” Landers wrote Saturday. “Soto, Schwarber and Francisco Lindor would be one heck of a heart of the order for opposing pitchers to navigate, and it would take a bit of pressure off of a young pitching staff in flux. Again, Phillies fans would never let him forget it, but something tells me getting to play with Soto (again) would help ease the sting.”

The Mets spent big to bring Soto to Queens, likely for the rest of his career. The expectation when signing him was that the Mets would be contenders for years to come. The team needs to maximize its opportunity to win the World Series, and adding Schwarber would do just that. He is one of the best sluggers in baseball and could not only replace Alonso’s power, but perhaps bring a little extra.

Schwarber will not be cheap. Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $99 million deal in free agency. The Mets may prioritize improving their defense this winter, so adding a nearly $100 million designated hitter may not be their first priority.

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