Mets Like Santander, Discussed Trade With Marte

With several reports emerging Thursday that the Mets believe they will not re-sign Pete Alonso, the team may look to pivot to free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander as a power-hitting replacement, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Santander, 30, hit .235/.308/.506 while slugging 44 homers and driving in 102 runs for the Orioles in 2024. The switch-hitter played 130 games in right field and one game at first base. He made a dozen appearances at first in 2023.

For now, according to reports, the Mets plan to move Mark Vientos to first base and have Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña compete for the third base job.

In a potentially related development, the Mets told Starling Marte last month that they would try to trade him to a team that could offer him more playing time, but that he would have a role in New York if he stays, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. The Mets re-signed Jesse Winker Thursday and Marte could fit as a platoon with him at designated hitter.

The Mets, per Heyman, are “heavily focused” on the bullpen as well. They have lefty Tanner Scott on their radar along with Kirby Yates, Carlos Estevez, Tim Hill and Andrew Chafin.

Alonso is rumored to be a target of the Blue Jays, who may move Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third base.

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