It’s starting to look like Juan Soto’s career path could end up resembling Bryce Harper’s, especially with how Mets president David Stearns is thinking. According to Stearns, the team’s main focus this offseason will be improving run prevention, both on the mound and in the field. “Run prevention is where we fell short this year… It’s where we need to get better,” he admitted.

And that brings Soto into the conversation. Reportedly, if Pete Alonso leaves in free agency, the Mets will have a big hole to fill at first base. So, bringing in a star like Soto, and potentially shifting him to first to tighten up their defense, could be part of Stearns’ vision. It’s a move that would echo Harper’s transition and could help balance out the Mets’ lineup while improving their overall run prevention.

“I would love to see the Mets talk to Juan Soto about transitioning to first base…. If you move him to first base next year, you are prolonging the time he’s not clogging up the DH spot, and you’re opening up a corner outfield spot for a better outfielder, and also a good hitter. So you’re able to add offense while improving your defense.” SNY’s Hennah Keysar shared what it means to have Soto at first base for the Mets.

Well, with Alonso headed for free agency, the Mets will definitely struggle to replace his bat, but defensively? That’s a different story. Alonso’s -8 Fielding Run Value in 2025 ranks in the 8th percentile among MLB first basemen, meaning he cost the team about eight runs compared to the league average!

That said, plugging Soto in at first wouldn’t automatically fix things. Because Soto actually posted a league-worst -13 Fielding Run Value in the outfield this season. But here’s where the idea gets interesting. Remember how Harper moved from the outfield to first base in 2023? It started as a temporary move while he recovered from TJ surgery and filled in for the injured Rhys Hoskins. And guess what, it ended up being a great fit.

So, as Keysar suggests, why not try something similar with Soto? If he takes over for Alonso at first, the Mets could improve their outfield defense with a stronger glove out there, while possibly helping Soto’s defensive metrics at a less demanding position. The result? Better run prevention overall!

The Mets’ Soto dilemma is far from over

Well, the Mets’ dilemma with Juan Soto’s position really comes down to what happens with Pete Alonso. His future with the team will heavily influence how Stearns navigates the rest of the offseason.

So, if the Mets decide to give Alonso a big, long-term contract, they’ll be more restricted in what other high-profile players they can pursue, since a lot of payroll will already be committed. But if Alonso walks in free agency, that opens up room to spend elsewhere. For instance, maybe on a player who can replicate Alonso’s impact in the lineup… Or even on multiple pieces to strengthen the roster.

Hence, for fans, this means there’s still a lot of uncertainty about where Soto will play next season.

There’s a good chance Soto could slide over to first base if Alonso leaves, but with names like Cody Bellinger being linked to the Mets, it’s also possible Soto remains in the outfield.

Essentially, the team is in a wait-and-watch period. That every move depends on how the Alonso situation unfolds, and Stearns will be adjusting his strategy accordingly.