The New York Mets are encountering significant challenges in their efforts to re-sign Pete Alonso.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, there is a “sizable gap” between the Mets’ valuation of Alonso and the figure Alonso is seeking. Heyman also noted that the team is considering internal alternatives.

One option could involve moving Mark Vientos to first base, although this isn’t an ideal solution. Meanwhile, the free-agent market for first basemen is thinning, but there’s one candidate the Mets haven’t yet explored: Josh Bell.

Bell remains available and could be a cost-effective alternative. Despite sharing the same agent as Alonso, Scott Boras, Bell’s projected price tag of $5.2 million is significantly lower than Alonso’s.

In 2024, Bell posted a .249 batting average with 19 home runs and 71 RBIs while splitting time between the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks. His performance improved notably after heading west, but he also has extensive experience playing in the National League East.

While Bell isn’t known for his defensive prowess, he brings valuable power to the lineup. If the Mets cannot retain Alonso, they’ll need to find a way to replace his offensive production.

Signing Bell would allow the Mets to add a solid bat at a lower cost, freeing up funds to pursue other high-profile players—possibly someone like Alex Bregman—to bolster the lineup.

If Bell can replicate his 2021 numbers with the Washington Nationals, he could turn out to be a bargain in the first-base market.