BreakingNews: New York Mets have just brought back their dominant player from overseas for their first base in a record-breaking contract deal of….

With Pete Alonso’s return increasingly uncertain, the New York Mets are facing a significant gap at first base. While they’ve explored internal options like Mark Vientos, it’s clear that they need a more established starter to fill the void.

The free-agent market has dwindled, leaving the trade market as the Mets’ best option. One potential solution is LaMonte Wade Jr. of the San Francisco Giants. Wade Jr. is entering his final year of arbitration and will become a free agent after the 2025 season, making him an attractive target for the Mets.

Wade Jr. had a strong 2024 campaign, hitting .260 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, and a 119 wRC+. While he may not be a major power threat, he’s demonstrated his ability to hit for power, with 17 home runs in 2023. More importantly, his exceptional on-base skills make him an asset in the Mets’ lineup, particularly hitting behind Juan Soto.

In addition to his offensive capabilities, Wade Jr. also brings defensive value to the table. He played 743 innings at first base last season, posting a .999 fielding percentage with just one error. This represents an upgrade over Alonso, whose defensive inconsistencies have been well-documented.

A potential trade package could involve the Mets sending right-handed pitching prospect Blade Tidwell to the Giants. Tidwell, 23, struggled in AAA last season but has a powerful fastball and is still refining his secondary pitches. This move would make sense for the Giants if they’re not planning to keep Wade Jr. long-term, as it would allow them to extract value and strengthen their pitching depth.

For the Mets, acquiring Wade Jr. would be a low-risk, high-reward move. He wouldn’t require a massive haul, yet he fills a key void with a proven bat and reliable defense. While he may not be the power-hitting slugger Alonso is, his high on-base percentage and steady glove make him a strong fit for the Mets.