After a prolonged free agency process, first baseman Pete Alonso has finally secured a deal. As widely anticipated, Alonso is staying in Queens, agreeing to a two-year, $54 million contract, officially concluding the most predictable reunion of the offseason.

Although the Cincinnati Reds briefly surfaced as a late contender last month, it was largely seen as a leverage move orchestrated by super-agent Scott Boras. Nearly every MLB analyst expected Alonso to return to the Mets.

While Cincinnati was never a serious threat to land the slugger, his return to New York could open up an interesting trade possibility. With Alonso locked in, would the Mets now consider moving Brett Baty?

Mets- Pete Alonso deal offers Reds tempting opportunity to trade for Brett Baty

Brett Baty, 25, is a former first-round pick who has struggled to find his footing in the majors. Once a highly regarded prospect in the Mets’ farm system, he made his MLB debut in August 2022 and homered in his first game. However, that promising start quickly gave way to ongoing struggles that have hindered his development.

Baty received an extended opportunity in 2023, playing in 108 games and logging nearly 400 plate appearances. Despite showcasing impressive power in the minors—slashing .315/.410/.533 with 19 home runs—he failed to replicate that success in the big leagues, hitting just .213/.275/.323 in his first full season.

Last year, Baty found himself in and out of the Mets’ lineup, while fellow prospect Mark Vientos seized his opportunity and secured a regular role. Vientos started over 100 games at third base in 2024, and with Pete Alonso returning, he’s expected to be the Mets’ everyday third baseman on Opening Day. As a result, Baty enters the 2025 season as little more than a bench option.

A trade for Baty wouldn’t significantly alter the Reds’ outlook for 2025, but with third base uncertain heading into spring training, he could provide valuable depth. Jeimer Candelario is the projected starter, but adding Baty would give new manager Terry Francona another option.

While many Mets fans have labeled Baty a bust, sometimes a fresh start is all a player needs. He remains pre-arbitration eligible, has minor-league options, and showed defensive improvement last season—making him an intriguing low-risk acquisition for Cincinnati.