"Replacing Pete Alonso with Jorge Polanco is crazy" - Fans fume as Mets agree to 2-year, $40,000,000 deal with former Mariners star

The New York Mets have finally addressed the void left by Pete Alonso at first base, as they agreed with former Seattle Mariners star Jorge Polanco on a two-year, $40 million contract, pending a physical, sources told ESPN. The deal comes with an average annual value of $20 million.

Earlier, the Mets lost Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $155 million deal. In Polanco, the Mets receive a versatile infielder who can also play second base, third base, and shortstop. Polanco will primarily play first base and designated hitter (DH) in 2026, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Fans reacted in disappointment as they believe the Mets didn't find an ideal replacement for Pete Alonso.

"Replacing Pete Alonso with Jorge Polanco is CRAZY because that’s not a swap -- that’s a philosophical pivot," one fan commented. "So this whole getting better defensively talking point was a lie. Polanco hasn’t played 1B," another reacted. "The guy has never played 1B, while Pete Alonso led MLB at picking throws out of the dirt. This makes as much sense as hearing that Polanco will DH and appear out of the bullpen for the Mets," one fan posted. "Please tell me this means Jeff McNeil is moving!" one fan wrote. "LOL oh my. This poor guy is going into an impossible situation. Fans will be merciless on him. Stearns blew it," one fan added. "2 years, $40 million and plan to play him at a position he's never played at his entire career. Why do teams overthink this?" one fan asked.

Mets' first free agency move since Brandon Nimmo trade

The Mets entered the offseason with hopes of re-signing free agents Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, who opted out of their respective contracts. Before the Winter Meetings, the Mets traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien.

After the Winter Meetings, the Mets first lost Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal and then lost Alonso earlier this week.

Jorge Polanco is their first major free agency addition this offseason. He's coming off a strong season in 2025, hitting .265 with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs in 138 games.

Edited by Krutik Jain