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.

As Pete Alonso continues his wait to find a home for the 2025 season and beyond, the New York Mets may find themselves strongly in the mix amid recent

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.

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,

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."

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.

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!”

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

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.