Mets prospect Peter Alonso crushes baseballs harder than most players in the majors or minors, but a concern with him has been whether his defense at first base will be too much of a liability.

Assistant GM J.P. Ricciardi told SNY contributor John Harper earlier this month that the team had faith in the 23-year-old Alonso's ability to field the position, and a new scouting report from the Arizona Fall League sheds new light on Alonso's defense -- something he has been working hard before games to improve.

"Bat-first prospect with enough glove to stick at 1B everyday," John Eshleman of 2080 Baseball wrote while also expanding on Alonso's defensive profile.

On the 20-to-80 scouting scale, Eshleman gives Alonso average (50) grades in terms of both his fielding and throwing ability.

On Alonso's fielding:

"Compensates for below-average lateral mobility and stiff fielding actions with plus hands. Will cost outs on dirt, save outs with scooping ability at bag. With age, good enough to stick at fringe-average."

On Alonso's throwing:

Accuracy and strength to make solid DP throw to 2nd; makes throw across diamond on line.

Regarding Alonso's hitting, Eshleman -- who has watched Alonso five times during the AFL -- says Alonso has an average future hit tool with game power and raw power that is plus plus -- 70 on the scouting scale.

Overall, Eshleman says Alonso projects as a top 10 first baseman in baseball.

The expectation is that Alonso will begin the 2019 season with Triple-A Syracuse.

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