In light of Pete Alonso’s issues, the Mets have a new star target.

As the New York Mets enter a crucial stage in their quest to build a championship-caliber roster, the lingering uncertainty surrounding Pete Alonso’s future has placed the organization at a crossroads. With Alonso’s refusal to accept a pay cut and his potential departure hanging in the balance, the Mets have turned their attention to other avenues of roster improvement, focusing on acquiring new stars who can help fill the void and propel the team forward. Amidst this evolving landscape, one name has risen to the forefront of trade rumors and potential acquisitions: Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox’s star third baseman.

Devers, a 26-year-old Dominican-born slugger, has quickly become one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball. With his potent bat, solid defense, and consistency year in and year out, Devers is the type of player who can instantly change the complexion of any lineup. For the Mets, his addition could address multiple needs, particularly in the aftermath of the uncertainty surrounding Alonso’s future with the team.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the Mets have set their sights on Rafael Devers, how his acquisition could impact the roster, and what it would mean for the Mets’ long-term plans as they navigate an offseason filled with uncertainty and potential.

Pete Alonso’s Uncertainty: A Key Factor in the Mets’ Pursuit of Devers

Before diving into the Mets’ pursuit of Rafael Devers, it’s important to understand the backdrop surrounding Pete Alonso’s situation. Alonso, the face of the Mets’ offense for several seasons, has found himself in the midst of a contract standoff with the team. Despite his immense value as a slugger and his status as one of the most feared hitters in MLB, Alonso has recently refused to accept a pay cut in negotiations with the Mets. His stance, combined with the Mets’ financial constraints and the pressure to remain competitive, has put his future with the team in question.

This friction between the Mets and Alonso has led to increased speculation about a potential trade. While the team has not publicly stated whether they plan to move Alonso, the situation has made it clear that the Mets are evaluating all options. If Alonso does leave New York—whether via trade or free agency—the Mets will need to find a way to replace his offensive production and leadership in the clubhouse.

While replacing a player of Alonso’s caliber is no small task, the Mets have identified a key player they believe can help bridge the gap: Rafael Devers. Devers, with his ability to hit for both average and power, is seen as an ideal candidate to step into a major role with the Mets. His arrival would not only shore up a lineup that has been inconsistent at times, but it would also help ease the potential loss of Alonso’s production.

Why Rafael Devers?

Rafael Devers is one of the most promising and established stars in baseball today. Over the course of his career with the Boston Red Sox, Devers has demonstrated a remarkable combination of power, contact hitting, and plate discipline. As a player who has already posted multiple 30+ home run seasons and consistently ranks among the league leaders in RBIs, Devers has solidified himself as one of the elite third basemen in the game.

The 2024 season was another standout year for Devers. He finished with a .302 batting average, 34 home runs, and 116 RBIs, showcasing his ability to drive in runs while maintaining a strong on-base percentage. His consistent offensive output has made him an indispensable part of the Red Sox lineup, and his combination of hitting for both average and power gives him the potential to be a cornerstone of the Mets’ offense should he be acquired.

For the Mets, Devers offers several advantages. First and foremost, he is an established hitter who has proven his ability to produce at the highest level. He has been a top-tier performer for the Red Sox for years, and his presence in the middle of the Mets’ order would immediately make the lineup more dangerous. Devers’ versatility also helps, as he can bat in multiple spots in the order—whether it’s as a traditional power hitter in the cleanup spot or as a consistent run producer in the third or fifth slot.

Additionally, Devers’ ability to handle the bat well against both left-handed and right-handed pitching makes him a valuable asset. In 2024, he posted an OPS of .890 against right-handers and a .955 OPS against lefties, demonstrating his ability to provide consistent production no matter the pitcher. This kind of balance would help fortify the Mets’ offense, which has at times been overly reliant on specific matchups.

While Devers is primarily known for his offensive prowess, he is no slouch on defense either. His glove at third base is solid, and while he may not be the best defensive third baseman in the league, he is far from a liability. His ability to handle the hot corner allows the Mets to maintain a strong defensive infield while providing elite production at the plate.

The Mets’ Roster Needs: How Devers Fits In

Devers’ arrival in New York would help address a number of areas of need for the Mets. As mentioned, the Mets’ primary concern heading into the 2025 season is replacing Alonso’s power production, particularly in the middle of the order. Alonso’s bat has been central to the Mets’ success over the last few years, and while Devers cannot fully replicate Alonso’s role, he would offer a similar level of offensive production.

For the Mets, who have struggled with consistency at times in recent years, adding a player like Devers would provide a reliable source of power in the lineup. While other players, such as Francisco Lindor, have been solid contributors, Devers would provide a level of stability to the Mets’ offense that has been lacking in recent years. His ability to hit for both average and power—combined with his leadership and experience in high-pressure situations—makes him a valuable addition to the Mets’ roster.

Moreover, Devers’ presence could allow the Mets to move some of their other players around to more comfortable spots. For example, moving Luis Guillorme into a utility role or shifting Mark Vientos to the outfield could help strengthen other areas of the roster, particularly in terms of depth. Devers’ bat would not only provide protection for Lindor in the lineup, but he could also serve as a focal point for the Mets’ offense, relieving some of the pressure on other key players.

Another important aspect of Devers’ potential acquisition is the fact that he is still relatively young. At just 26 years old, Devers has several prime years left in his career. The Mets are looking to build a team that can contend for championships in both the short and long term, and adding a player like Devers aligns with their goal of staying competitive for years to come. His youth, combined with his already established level of performance, makes him an ideal target for a Mets team that is focused on both the present and the future.

The Financial Aspect: Could the Mets Afford Devers?

The Mets are a team with deep pockets, but their financial flexibility has been tested in recent years as they continue to build a competitive roster. Adding Rafael Devers would certainly require a significant investment, both in terms of the trade package and the long-term contract that would likely follow.

Devers is currently under contract with the Red Sox through the 2026 season, and he is owed a substantial amount of money over the next few years. However, the Mets have already shown a willingness to make big moves in order to bring in high-caliber players. Steve Cohen, the Mets’ billionaire owner, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to winning by investing heavily in the team, and he could very well see the acquisition of Devers as a necessary step to maintaining the Mets’ status as a championship contender.

While the Mets may need to balance their payroll in the coming seasons, it is clear that the acquisition of Devers would provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of success. The team’s financial commitment to Devers would not only be a reflection of their belief in his talent, but also a recognition of the fact that, in order to compete in a market with high payrolls like New York, the Mets will need to make bold investments.

The Trade: What Would It Take to Acquire Devers?

Acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox would not be a simple task. The Red Sox are a storied franchise that is not likely to part with one of their best players without receiving significant value in return. The Mets would likely need to part with a combination of prospects and current roster players in order to secure Devers’ services.

Some of the Mets’ top prospects—such as Francisco Álvarez, Brett Baty, or even Ronnie Mauricio—could be attractive pieces for the Red Sox in a potential trade. The Mets’ farm system is rich in talent, and dealing from that depth could help make a deal possible. Additionally, the Red Sox may look to bolster their pitching staff, and the Mets have several young, talented pitchers in their system who could be of interest.

The key factor in any potential deal will be the Mets’ willingness to part with major talent, both on the field and in the minors, to acquire a player like Devers. While it’s unclear exactly what the Red Sox would demand, the Mets will need to balance the immediate benefits of acquiring Devers with the long-term impact of potentially depleting their farm system.