Mets president David Stearns highlighted "run prevention" as a key weakness following the team's playoff miss. This defense deficiency raises questions about the future of bat-first slugger Pete Alonso, whose defensive metrics have declined. While Stearns expressed a desire to retain Alonso, "roster-fit" concerns, beyond financial ones, are now a significant factor. Alonso's strong offensive performance contrasts with his poor defensive rankings, creating a complex decision for the Mets as they aim to improve their defense.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.