The New York Mets made waves this offseason by signing outfielder Juan Soto to a staggering $765 million contract. However, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns still faces a critical decision at first base. Will the Mets re-sign Pete Alonso to complement Soto in the lineup, or could they explore a trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Toronto Blue Jays?

Given the current market dynamics, Alonso seems like the “most obvious fit” to stay in Queens. Keeping the homegrown star would likely please Mets fans, but Stearns and his team might hesitate to overpay during negotiations. Reports suggest New York has offered Alonso a three-year, $90 million deal with opt-outs, but if talks break down and Alonso departs, the Mets’ options at first base could dwindle quickly.

If the Mets pivot to Guerrero, what might it take to land him? BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley proposed a hypothetical trade involving five players:

• Mets receive: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Blue Jays receive: INF Ronny Mauricio, OF Ryan Clifford, RHP Tylor Megill, RHP Blade Tidwell

Riley pointed out that Megill could step into Toronto’s big-league rotation right away. Mauricio, who missed the 2024 season with a torn ACL, is nearing MLB readiness, while Clifford, Mauricio, and Tidwell are ranked fourth, sixth, and eighth, respectively, among the Mets’ top prospects, according to MLB.com.

Guerrero, projected to earn $29.6 million in arbitration for 2025, may seek a long-term deal worth upwards of $500 million. The Mets must weigh whether to invest in Alonso or make a bold move for Guerrero to solidify their lineup.