8. Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
Alonso hit 36 home runs over 132 games for the Mets’ Double and Triple-A affiliates last year, then followed that with six home runs in the Arizona Fall League. He strikes out a bunch (128 times in 2018), but he posted a good batting average last year (.285) with some visible strides in his plate approach (76 walks last year, 27 in 2017).
Todd Frazier is in line to start at first base for the Mets, but an oblique issue early in spring training reminded everyone he’s 33 years old. It has less affect on Alonso, but offseason free agent signing Jed Lowrie dealt with a knee issue early in spring training and the Mets may simply need to go north with another bat.
Pete Alonso is making the Mets. They’ve said they are taking their best 25 north and here’s the first proof they meant it. For the record, Alonso said he hasn’t been told either way yet. But assuming assuming health, he’s a Met.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 22, 2019
Robinson Cano is a second baseman by previous trade, but he could shift over to first base at times after doing so with the Mariners last year.
There are a few roadblocks in Alonso’s path to playing time right now, and he’s not guaranteed to start the season in the big leagues. But it’s not far-fetched that he gets called up quickly in April, starts to hit, and forces his way into the lineup on a regular basis based on merit over someone with status as a veteran. If Frazier can’t stay healthy, then the door will be wide open for Alonso as a power source for fantasy owners.