NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: President of Baseball Operations David Stearns of the New York Mets listens to a question from the media prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on June 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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The New York Mets have several decisions to make as they continue reshaping their roster for the 2027 season. President of baseball operations David Stearns has conceded that the organization is looking to make improvements in multiple areas after a harshly disappointing season, with the pitching staff expected to receive considerable attention.

However, the Mets also have some questions to answer about their position-player depth, particularly at first base, where they could pursue an outside addition this winter.

The Mets allowed homegrown superstar Pete Alonso to take a large contract offer from the Baltimore Orioles last winter, attempting to replace him with Jorge Polanco, who was frequently hurt. Then, shortly after the season ended, the Mets lost part-time first baseman Eric Wagaman after a demotion.

“Infielder Eric Wagaman has elected free agency, according to his transactions log at MLB.com,” AJ Eustace noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “That was the expected outcome after the Mets outrighted him off the 40-man roster a week ago.”

Wagaman joined the organization during the 2026 season and was a part of the first base mix with Polanco sidelined, and now the team will have to evaluate its options at the position without him.

New York Mets Acknowledge First Base Gap Following Eric Wagaman’s Exit

The Mets will face plenty of roster questions, but seem confident in the returns of Bo Bichette, Franciso Lindor, Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. But the team has now acknowledged that first base likely calls for an external addition.

“The Mets believe they are set at second base, David Stearns said, with Marcus Semien and Brett Baty returning and several prospects … on the way,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported. “They’d like to add at first base. That could be the only position to receive an upgrade outside of pitching staff.”

Stearns seemed to outline a relatively specific offseason blueprint for the team. Rather than pursuing multiple infield additions, he has evidently identified first base for the most significant overhaul, with Wagaman exiting the mix and a newcomer likely to enter it.

Eric Wagaman Elects Free Agency After New York Mets Outright, Leaving First Base Questions

Wagaman’s departure could make that search particularly relevant. The right-handed hitter had been among the organization’s available first-base options, but his departure creates another opportunity for New York to explore alternatives through free agency or the trade market.

Wagaman’s decision officially ends his latest stint in the organization and allows him to seek an opportunity elsewhere. For the Mets, it also reinforces the possibility of pursuing a different first-base option rather than relying exclusively on the players currently in their system.

With Stearns identifying first base as a potential position for an upgrade, New York’s next moves could provide a clearer indication of just how ambitious the organization intends to be this offseason.