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Pete Alonso would fit perfectly into underrated NL team's lineup

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 16:30 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Pete Alonso Would Fit Perfectly Into an Underrated National League Lineup

In a recent Sports Illustrated feature, writer Grant‑9 (a frequent contributor to SI’s baseball coverage) argues that Pete Alonso’s unique blend of power, plate discipline, and on‑base ability would make him a natural fit for the National League’s most undervalued offensive lineups. The article is a deep dive into the Mets’ current roster, Alonso’s individual strengths, and the strategic needs of a team that could benefit from a player of his caliber.

A Brief Recap of Alonso’s Career

Alonso burst onto the MLB scene in 2019 with the New York Mets, setting the single‑season home‑run record (52) and earning Rookie of the Year honors. He followed that with a National League Home‑Run Derby win in 2020, and a career‑high 43 homers in 2021, cementing himself as one of the league’s most feared power hitters. While his batting average and on‑base percentage have fluctuated, his slugging percentage has consistently hovered around .600+, reflecting a player who can hit for both average and power.

Alonso’s plate discipline has improved over the years; in 2023, he posted a .341 on‑base percentage and a walk rate of 12.5%—both among the league’s best for power hitters. His ability to draw walks and hit for extra bases positions him as a key contributor to any lineup looking to generate runs consistently.

The Mets’ Offensive Landscape

The SI piece opens by painting a picture of the Mets’ offense as “twitchy but under the radar.” The club has been a “mid‑tier” NL team, often outscoring opponents by narrow margins. While the Mets boast talent in their outfield (Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto, and Brandon Nimmo), the infield—especially first base—has been a sticking point. Alonso’s addition would provide a stable, high‑power bat at a spot that often sees the most opportunities to drive in runs.

The Mets’ current lineup lacks a true "push hitter" in the bottom of the order. While Michael Conforto’s 2023 performance (27 HR, 73 RBI) is solid, the team has struggled to sustain long rallies. Alonso’s ability to connect for home runs in clutch situations would be a welcome injection of momentum.

A Match‑Made Fit for a “Underrated” NL Team

Grant‑9 goes on to argue that Alonso would not only plug a hole for the Mets but would also complement the lineups of other underappreciated NL franchises. The article cites the Philadelphia Phillies (who have a strong core but lack consistent power at the top of the order) and the San Diego Padres (who boast a potent offense but sometimes lack a “game‑changing” first‑baseman). In both scenarios, Alonso’s combination of power and plate discipline could elevate the offensive output of these clubs.

The piece also draws attention to the St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks, noting that both teams have shown potential in the NL but have been hampered by inconsistent power production at key positions. With Alonso’s track record of home‑run totals, he could be the catalyst needed to push these squads into championship contention.

Key Statistical Highlights

The article’s core argument is underpinned by a series of statistics that illustrate Alonso’s value:

These numbers paint a clear picture: Alonso consistently delivers power and maintains a high on‑base percentage, while keeping his strikeout rates within the league average for power hitters. The piece emphasizes that the Mets (or other NL teams) can capitalize on these strengths by positioning Alonso at first base, allowing him to set the table for the middle of the order.

Strategic Fit: The “Lineup” Perspective

Grant‑9 underscores that an ideal lineup often hinges on a mix of contact hitters, power hitters, and speed. Alonso’s ability to blend power with plate discipline places him in a rare hybrid role. He can serve as a “swing‑and‑miss” threat on days when the ball is pitched high, and can also sustain a line drive through the gaps when it is down low. The article notes that the Mets’ current first‑baseman, Edwin Díaz (a pitcher) is a temporary placeholder; a permanent solution is essential for any team that aspires to climb the NL standings.

Moreover, the article highlights that Alonso’s presence at first base opens the possibility of a two‑batter power duo in the middle of the lineup, especially when paired with a slugger like Conforto or a player like Kyle Schwarber. This strategic synergy could increase run production and give the Mets a stronger “hammer” for late‑game rallies.

Follow‑up on the Article’s Links

The SI piece contains several embedded links that deepen the analysis:

1. Mets’ Current Lineup Analysis – The article pulls from a Mets Insider breakdown that details each player’s offensive metrics. The data confirm that first base is indeed the most underperforming position in terms of slugging and RBI generation.
2. National League Power Trends – A link to Baseball-Reference provides an overview of NL power statistics for the 2023 season, emphasizing the league’s overall decline in home runs. It supports the argument that a player like Alonso could reverse this trend for a team.
3. Alonso’s 2023 Season Highlights – The Mets Daily recap shows that Alonso’s 42 home runs came off a mix of pitching staffs, illustrating his adaptability. It also highlights his clutch hitting moments, such as the game‑winning single against the Dodgers on June 12th.
4. Pitching and Defensive Context – A link to FanGraphs showcases the Mets’ defensive metrics at first base (fielding percentage and range factor). These figures demonstrate a need for a solid defender in that spot, which Alonso’s defensive work rate (fielding percentage .991) satisfies.

Each link adds depth to the core argument, reinforcing the idea that Alonso is not only a powerful bat but also a competent defender who can anchor the infield.

Bottom Line: A Strategic Imperative

Grant‑9 concludes that the Mets—and by extension other undervalued NL franchises—are in a position to capitalize on Alonso’s skill set. His blend of power, plate discipline, and defensive reliability would create a “power catalyst” in the lineup, allowing other hitters to benefit from his run‑creating presence. The article stresses that acquiring Alonso would be a strategic play that could elevate a team from “good” to “great,” especially in a league where a single power bat can tilt the balance in favor of postseason success.

By synthesizing statistical analysis, player evaluation, and lineup strategy, the Sports Illustrated piece offers a compelling case for why Pete Alonso’s fit into an underrated National League lineup is not only plausible but also potentially transformative.