With the Mets and Pete Alonso still far apart monetarily and a parting looking likely now, the Mets may well stay internal for the starting infield spot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With two weeks until New York Mets pitchers and catchers report to spring training, free agent first baseman Pete Alonso remains unsigned, leaving their lineup somewhat unsettled.

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.

Just before Mets owner Steve Cohen answered a question about where things stand with Alonso, a homegrown star and free agent first baseman, during a panel discussion, a spirited crowd began chanting, “Let’s Sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete!”

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

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."

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.