Van Wagenen Expects Alonso To Be Opening Day First Baseman

Brodie Van Wagenen said on Mike Francesa’s show that he expects Peter Alonso to be his Opening Day first baseman in 2019.

Alonso, 23, hit .285/.395/.579 with 36 home runs and 119 RBI between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas in 2018. However, the team cited concerns about his defense at first base as a reason to not call him up in September.

While Alonso might very well deserve to be starting at first base for the Mets on Opening Day, the Mets could get an extra year of control on him if they wait until April 11 to call him up.

Dominic Smith is looking like an odd man out right now as he has disappointed, to say the least. The 23-year-old hit .224/.255/.420 with five home runs and 11 RBI while striking out 47 times in 149 plate appearances at the major league level.