Any hope that New York Mets fans had about All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz reversing course and returning to Queens officially ended on Friday, Dec. 12, when they officially signed their respective contracts with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Baltimore Orioles stole Pete Alonso from the New York Mets, and the Mets need to respond by signing a different slugger.

The Mets signed veteran switch-hitter Jorge Polanco in free agency on Saturday, their first move to replace Pete Alonso’s presence at first base and in the heart of their lineup. Will Sammon of The Athletic was first to report Polanco’s deal with New York, a two-year contract worth $40 million.

The New York Mets have agreed to a two-year deal with veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Saturday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced.

Key departures of Diaz and Alonso leave the Mets reeling, forcing a drastic roster overhaul and immense pressure to deliver results.

The Boston Red Sox are one of the more intriguing teams to follow in baseball right now. They play in the most competitive division, the American League East, i