The New York Mets let Pete Alonso walk in free agency and have not really found a way to replace his production.
Jared Young and Mark Vientos have spent the most time at first base this year, and Young has had a solid season. Young has a .767 OPS, but has just nine home runs this season. He has also been terrible against left-handed pitching. The Mets should definitely target first basemen in free agency, and Jake Bauers of the Milwaukee Brewers could be a fit.
Bauers, a 30-year-old lefty, has had a breakout year for the Milwaukee Brewers. He is slated to hit the open market when the season ends, but he has basically priced himself out of the Brewers' price range with his play this season. He has an .891 OPS, 26 home runs and has hit lefties and righties well.
Additionally, he has cut down on strikeouts and walked at a career-high clip. The only question mark for Bauers is whether this season is a fluke or the start of a great stretch. It has taken him longer than most to really turn into a reliable every-day player, but he has been one of the best hitters on the team with the best record in baseball this year.
Some team is going to pay him, and the Mets have a huge need at first base. Bauers also has the ability to play in right field if needed, providing some lineup flexibility for whoever the Mets' next manager is. Defensively, Bauers is not the best, but the Mets could really use his bat.
With his new approach at the plate, he looks like he can be a 30-homer bat. Despite starting the season in a bench role, he has taken advantage of his opportunity and leads the Brewers in home runs. Adding him to a Mets lineup that played well below expectations this year could be a smart move for David Stearns.