Mendoza mentioned Jared Young and Joey Meneses — both of whom the Mets signed to minor-league contracts this offseason — as options at first base. Young, 29, is on the 40-man roster but boasts only 62 career MLB at-bats. Meneses, 32, is a .231 hitter in 1,114 MLB at-bats.

Mendoza cited Jared Young and non-roster invitee Joey Meneses as additional options at first base while the third base mix (if Vientos were to take over first base) could include Baty, Luisangel Acuña (whom the Mets have told to get reps at the position) and Ronny Mauricio.

The Mets' Pete Alonso contingency plans are clearly in motion, revolving around the familiar faces of Mark Vientos and Brett Baty. Baty and Vientos -- both natural third basemen -- have been taking reps at first to ready themselves in case Alonso doesn't return.

The New York Mets may be preparing for life without longtime first baseman and current free agent Pete Alonso. The Mets held their annual fan fest on Saturday, during which third baseman Brett Baty confirmed a New York Post report that stated he was asked to begin working out at first base ahead of spring training.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said, "We also feel really good about the young players that are coming through our system that have the ability to play."

There remains two clear paths for the Mets with the start of spring training looming: one without Pete Alonso and one with him.

Over the weekend, Mets owner Steve Cohen fussed about how "exhausting" the negotiations with longtime first baseman and free agent Pete Alonso had become. Just days later, Cohen is again in touch with Alonso and agent Scott Boras,

The Blue Jays "appear to be the most serious about signing" veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, according to MLB.com. Scherzer, 40, was limited to just nine starts last season because of physical issues.

The New York Mets were recently predicted to make a blockbuster trade that would send a star to the Washington Nationals.

The Mets appear willing to roll the dice on Brett Baty as their everyday third baseman in 2025, a decision that carries plenty of risk. With Mark Vientos

One of the key decisions facing the Mets is whether to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso. Negotiations have been ongoing, with reports suggesting that the team is taking a firm stance. They are offering a take-it-or-leave-it deal. Alonso’s market is weaker than expected. This allows the Mets to secure him on terms they prefer.