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With Pete Alonso looking increasingly unlikely to return, the Mets are staring at a glaring hole at first base. They’ve explored internal options like Mark Vientos, but there’s a clear need for a more established starter.

The free-agent market has dried up, leaving the trade market as the Mets’ best path forward. That’s where the San Francisco Giants come in, with LaMonte Wade Jr. emerging as a logical target.

Why Wade Jr. Makes Sense

Wade Jr. is entering his final year of arbitration and will hit free agency after the 2025 season. While the Giants could hold onto him, they may not be inclined to pay him long-term, making this the perfect opportunity for the Mets to capitalize.

The 31-year-old left-handed hitter had a strong 2024 campaign, slashing .260/.380/.381 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, and a 119 wRC+. While he isn’t a major power threat, he did hit 17 homers in 2023, proving he has some pop in his bat.

More importantly, his elite on-base skills make him an asset in the Mets’ lineup, especially hitting behind Juan Soto. His ability to work counts and get on base would provide the Mets with a different offensive dynamic, complementing their heavy sluggers.

Defensive Upgrade Over Alonso

Wade Jr. isn’t just a capable hitter; he also brings defensive value. He played 743 innings at first base last season, posting a .999 fielding percentage with just one error, four defensive runs saved, and -3 outs above average.

While he’s not a Gold Glove defender, he represents an upgrade over Alonso, whose defensive inconsistencies have been well-documented.

Given that defense at first base is often overlooked but still critical for saving runs, Wade Jr. would offer the Mets a much-needed stabilizing presence.

A Reasonable Trade Package

A potential trade package could see the Mets sending right-handed pitching prospect Blade Tidwell to the Giants. Tidwell, 23, struggled in AAA last season, posting a 5.93 ERA over 85 innings.

However, he has a powerful fastball and is still refining his secondary pitches, particularly his slider and changeup. He remains an intriguing arm with upside, and given his Rule 5 eligibility this December, the Mets may prefer to cash in on his value now rather than risk losing him for nothing.

For the Giants, this move makes sense if they aren’t planning to keep Wade Jr. long-term. Flipping him for a young, controllable arm allows them to extract value while strengthening their pitching depth.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

For the Mets, acquiring Wade Jr. wouldn’t require a massive haul, yet he fills a key void with a proven bat and reliable defense. He may not be the power-hitting slugger Alonso is, but his high on-base percentage and steady glove make him a strong fit. If the Mets truly want to upgrade their first base situation without breaking the bank, Wade Jr. presents an ideal trade target.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.