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.

T he 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

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 may already have their Pete Alonso replacement in case he leaves. One of their breakout starts from 2024 could step in and play first base.

Both players still remain viable at third base, but that they were advised to begin a routine that included first base is an indicator of how the Mets plan to proceed.

As the baseball world now gets into February, it still remains a mystery where former New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso will be playing come Opening Day. The c