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.

So, beyond revealing an exhaustion from negotiating with Alonso’s camp, Cohen’s comments confirmed a couple of other matters. One, in a world without Alonso returning to Flushing, the Mets may add more pieces. Two, the Mets are at least acting like they care about how much they spend.

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

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.

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."

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 owner Steve Cohen got real on the failed negotiation talks with free agent !B and former Met Pete Alonso.

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

Francisco Lindor, a crucial figure for the Mets, advocates for re-signing Pete Alonso, emphasizing his leadership role. While Lindor's influence could