Bo Bichette steps into big Mets role as team moves on from Pete Alonso with new plan

The New York Mets are heading into the 2026 season with a very different team. After falling short in recent playoff runs, they made big changes. Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz are no longer part of the roster. In their place, the team has brought in names like Bo Bichette, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Luis Robert Jr., Marcus Semien, and Freddy Peralta. It is a fresh start, and a lot of attention is now on how this new lineup will perform.One big talking point is Bo Bichette taking over the cleanup role that Pete Alonso once held. On paper, Bichette is not known for the same home run power. But some believe he could still make a bigger impact in a different way. That idea was explained in detail by Mets analyst Marc Luino, who shared his thoughts on the Mets’d Up podcast.Speaking on the Mets’d Up podcast, Marc Luino pointed out that Bo Bichette could benefit a lot from hitting behind players like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. He said, “With Juan Soto getting on base as much as he does, alone, Bo Bichette would drive in 100 runs if he was healthy.”He continued, “With Francisco [Lindor] and Juan Soto getting on base as much as they do, we would be looking at [a lot of runs].” His point was simple. With two strong hitters getting on base often, Bichette will have more chances to bring them home.Last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette had 94 RBIs in 139 games. Injuries have slowed him down in recent years, but when he is fit, he is known for making steady contact and getting hits.Luino also explained the key difference between Bichette and Pete Alonso. He said, “We know Bichette, one of the big differences between him and Pete Alonso because this is relatively his spot, is that [Bichette] is going to put the ball in play a ton. He is going to get more hits.”He added that the Mets struggled last year when runners were on base but not scoring. “One of the biggest issues last year, not Pete Alonso’s fault, was driving in runners in scoring position … and having Soto and Lindor … it’s a match made in heaven.”While this debate continues, the Mets have also made another important move. Rookie Carson Benge has been named the starting right fielder for the 2026 season. He replaces Mike Tauchman, who is currently injured.Benge was the 19th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Last season, he moved quickly through the minor leagues, going from Single A to Triple A. He finished with a .281 batting average, .385 on base percentage, .472 slugging, along with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs. Now, with a new lineup and young talent stepping in, the Mets are clearly trying a different approach this season.