The New York Mets are facing a challenge going into the 2025 season. Stepping into the season with hope, uncertainty, and a critical question – who will fill the first baseman void left by Pete Alonso? After a brilliant offseason acquisition with Juan Soto and Jose Siri, the Mets are looking good defensively. However, Pete’s absence is creating a major gap. With no answer to this question in sight, that’s where Jesse Winker comes in!

Winker, who joined the Mets last season, has positioned himself as a potential replacement for Pete Alonso. He has expressed his willingness to solve the first-base dilemma the team is facing. In a conversation with SNY, he made it clear that he is prepared to do whatever and take up any role the team asks him to. Although Jesse is known for his outfield presence, he has quietly been expanding his versatility. He has 13 games of experience as a first baseman, which came during a brief stint at Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. On top of that, Winker has also worked on his first-base skills with the Mets since he arrived in New York, taking ground balls and getting familiar with the position. Since the Mets outfield is already crowded, his ability and willingness to step in at first base would be crucial for the Mets.

“I’m definitely comfortable,” Winker said. “Whatever’s asked of me, I’ll be ready and I’ll put my best foot forward, and give it everything I have.” Although the Mets would be happy as they have found an Alonso replacement, there might be speculations regarding his experience. Whether Winker’s limited experience as first baseman would be enough to fill the void? Winker might not be able to repeat Alonso’s hitting and numbers. But, the Mets could be provided with a temporary fix until they find a permanent solution.

Jesse Winker’s potential at first base: How the Mets could lineup for 2025

While Jesse Winker has been presenting himself as a potential baseman for the New York Mets in upcoming seasons, his stats weren’t as impressive. Winker logged 13 games at first base during a minor league rehab assignment with the Milwaukee Brewers. He posted a 0.199 average, 0.567 OPS, and just one home run. However, he is working on the versatility factor. With a left-handed bat that has power potential, Winker’s left-handed bat could bring balance to the lineup, even though his first-base outings in 2023 didn’t exactly dazzle.

When it comes to the overall lineup, the addition of Winker to first base would not only help them solidify their outfield but also provide defensive depth. If he is in charge of baseman, Juan Soto would be in right, Jose Siri in center, and Brandon Nimmo in left. With Starling Marte also available as a rotational designated hitter, Winker could provide a versatile option for the team, that too in multiple different spots. As a left-handed hitter, he provides a contrasting bat to the right-handed heavy lineup, offering the potential for some much-needed clutch and power, especially in key situations.

All in all, Jesse Winker might not be the perfect permanent solution, but he at least for now navigates the team through uncertainty. If everything goes according to Mets’ plan, he could prove to be a valuable asset to the team. Only time will tell how this Winker gamble unfolds.