What's Happening?
The New York Mets have lost veteran first baseman Joey Meneses to free agency, following a solid season with Triple-A Syracuse. Meneses, who signed with the Mets last offseason, had a slash line of .265/.322/.447 with 11 home runs during his time in the minor
leagues. Despite his performance, the Mets did not call him up due to Pete Alonso's consistent health and presence at first base. Alonso played all 162 games last season, minimizing the need for additional depth at the position. Meneses has experience in 286 big league games, with a .274/.322/.408 slash line and 29 home runs. His departure leaves the Mets with potential uncertainty at first base, especially if Alonso signs elsewhere in free agency.
Why It's Important?
The departure of Joey Meneses could impact the Mets' strategy for the upcoming season, particularly if Pete Alonso decides to leave in free agency. Alonso's consistent performance and health have been crucial for the Mets, but his potential exit could necessitate a reevaluation of their first base options. Meneses, with his big league experience, could have provided valuable depth. The Mets may now need to explore other options to ensure stability at first base, which could affect their overall roster strategy and performance in the next season.
What's Next?
The Mets may need to consider signing new players or promoting from within their minor league system to fill the potential gap at first base. If Alonso leaves, the team will have to prepare for possible injuries or performance issues with his replacement. The Mets' management will likely assess their options during the offseason to ensure they have adequate coverage and talent at first base for the next season.
