Report: Mets asked Cardinals about Contreras as Alonso replacement
The New York Mets are on the hunt for a first baseman to replace Pete Alonso and have checked in with the St. Louis Cardinals about the availability of Willson Contreras, a source told MLB.com's John Denton.
Alonso departed in free agency, signing a reported five-year, $155-million deal with the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. His exit came one day after closer Edwin Díaz agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and two weeks after the Mets traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers.
Contreras converted to playing first base full time in 2025. The former catcher ranked sixth among big-league first basemen in fielding run value last season, while Alonso tied for last in the category.
At the plate, the 33-year-old Contreras slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs, 31 doubles, and 80 RBIs in 135 games last season.
The Venezuelan has two years and $36.5 million in guaranteed money left on his deal, which includes a $17.5-million club option for 2028.
The Cardinals are reportedly interested in trading Contreras, who would have to approve a move because his contract includes full no-trade protection until the end of 2026.