Bregman’s absence was cited by executives as the most irreplaceable due to veteran leadership and Fenway Park’s right-handed haven. Yet Alonso’s departure was felt for his clubhouse presence and swagger, with one AL executive stating he “owned that city” and was a staple in the lineup every year. Some rival executives viewed the Alonso decision as a difficult, though not necessarily regrettable, move, noting his power/performance and character as hard to replace despite questions about the contract value.
Stark’s poll also highlighted Edwin Diaz as one of the most irreplaceable subtractions, with the former Mets closer receiving multiple first-place votes after signing with the Dodgers. The survey underscored that Alonso’s exit freed up dollars for the Mets to spend elsewhere, a dynamic many executives viewed as a net-positive for the team’s offseason strategy.
Overall, while the Mets’ acquisitions were noted as prudent moves by some, several executives remained skeptical of the net value, especially given the price tag and Alonso’s impact beyond the stat line. The discussion reflected a broader sentiment: replacing a franchise cornerstone can be as challenging as correcting immediate gaps in power and depth.
