Mets lose Pete Alonso replacement to season-ending ankle surgery

Mets lose Pete Alonso replacement to season-ending ankle surgery originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets let Pete Alonso walk during this past offseason. 

Alonso was a fan favorite in Queens, and he's doing his part to help the Baltimore Orioles return to the postseason in his first season with the AL East club. 

To replace Alonso, the Mets signed a natural second baseman to play first base for the first time in his career. 

The experiment didn't really work. The former All-Star played in just 37 games and hit two home runs with a .138/.201/.230 slash line. 

On Wednesday, the Mets announced that Jorge Polanco will undergo season-ending ankle surgery. 

"Jorge Polanco, who was signed to replace Pete Alonso at 1B, finishes his season with 37 games, 20 hits, 2 HRs and 6 RBI," USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on X. "He will undergo season-ending ankle surgery, the Mets announce." 

Polanco struggled to stay on the field after signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets. 

He missed time with wrist and ankle injuries after hitting 26 homers with a 133 OPS+ as the Seattle Mariners' primary designated hitter in 2025. 

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New York is far from contention in the National League, 11 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot. 

It's probably best for Polanco to sit out the remainder of the season to ensure he's ready for spring training next season, if there is one. 

Surely, the Mets will be hoping for a bounce-back season from the 33-year-old. 

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