Who’s on First in 2027? The Mets Have A Lot of Options

One of the big question marks heading into next season for the Mets is first base. Without dwelling on who could have or should have been there, let’s take a look at how New York can move forward.

Internal Options

Jared Young hit nine homers in 103 games and posted a .759 OPS in his first year with significant MLB playing time. But he is 31 and likely best suited for a bench or platoon role. Brett Baty is younger at 26 and hit .277/.345/.508 with seven homers after the All-Star break. The .853 OPS was tops on the Mets of players with at least 100 at-bats during that time. But even David Stearns mused at a news conference after the season about whether he could be consistent for a full year. Baty’s full season OPS was .681. His ability to play all over the field could be diminished if he mostly plays first.

Jorge Polanco had season-ending ankle surgery and his health will be a concern. He also might be used primarily at designated hitter. Mark Vientos took a big step backward for the second straight season.

There is no prospect in the minor leagues who looks ready to contribute at the next level. Ryan Clifford showed promise in 2025 (29 homers, .826 OPS, Double-A and Triple-A), but regressed this season, hitting .180/.277/.363 with 18 homers in 115 games at Triple-A Syracuse.

The answer could be internal, but it also feels like the least inspired.

Free Agents

Ty France hit .295/.363/.502 with 21 homers in 133 games for the Padres this year. The 32-year-old was worth seven outs above average, ranked in the 93rd percentile for range and won a Gold Glove in 2025. He would be a good fit. There is also Jake Bauers, 31, who hit .266/.389/.484 with 26 homers in 144 games for the Brewers.

Josh Bell, 34, made 18 starts at first (and 129 at DH) for the Twins and hit 21 homers with a .738 OPS. Some others who will be looking for work this offseason are Alec Bohm, Paul Goldschmidt, Rhys Hoskins, Nathaniel Lowe, Dominic Smith and Rowdy Tellez.

Across the Pacific, Teruaki Sato, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, clubbed 39 homers in 140 games for the Hanshin Tigers, slashed .311/.389/.620 and is expected to be posted. The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers and Phillies are reportedly interested.

One minor detail: he plays mostly third base and a little outfield. He could move to first or Bo Bichette could try learning a new position again, if he exercises his $42 million player option and stays in New York. Bichette told Mike Puma of the New York Post last month that if he stays he “would be willing to do whatever.”

Signing someone in free agency seems more realistic than sticking with what they have on hand.

Trades

Now here is where things get really interesting. Here are some trade candidates:

• Rafael Devers hit 37 homers, slashed .258/.340/.525 and didn’t seem to endear himself to the Giants. He also ended his season with a core muscle injury that required surgery, though he is expected to be ready for spring training.
• Alec Burleson hit .279/.343/.473 with 26 homers and an MLB-leading 116 RBIs. The Cardinals were open to listening to offers for the 27-year-old at the trade deadline.
• Yandy Díaz, 35, has long been the subject of trade rumors. He hit .293/.359/.446 with 22 homers and when he crossed 500 plate appearances a clause was activated in his contract that will make him a Ray for $13 million next season. That could prompt budget-conscious Tampa Bay to deal him.

Wild Trade Thoughts

Why not think big? A salary cap isn’t guaranteed yet, of course.

The Phillies may be looking to break up their core after another playoff disappointment. Bryce Harper, 34, has five years and about $125.7 million left on his contract.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. upset Blue Jays fans last month when he said he was paid for what he did in the past, not what he will do in the future. Could his future be in Queens? The 27-year-old is signed through 2039 on a $500 million deal.