Mets manager makes stance clear on Pete Alonso, reveals contingency plans if the 4x All-Star signs elsewhere

The New York Mets better be ready in the aftermath of Pete Alonso signing with another team. The free-agent first baseman is hearing several offers, and with his negotiations not progressing with David Stearns and Co., he may be inclined to sign a contract elsewhere.

The Mets have lost most of their opportunities if this happens. Several top free-agent options for first base this offseason included Paul Goldschmidt and Christian Walker. Both have already signed with other teams, leaving the Mets with limited options.

During an interview on WFAN, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about the four-time All-Star’s free agency.

"He’s got all the right to go, you know, to maximize what he’s earned, you know. So, we want him back—not a secret, you know," Mendoza said (6:40 onwards).

"I’m still hopeful, you know. He’s there. He’s a great player, a great guy, a great clubhouse guy. He’s positive, you know. So, he earned this opportunity. He’s out there, and we’ll see what happens."

Mendoza said he has contingency plans in case Alonso doesn't re-sign.

"We’ve got options, you know," he said. "The thing is, we didn’t want to wait until spring training and then, 'Oh, now you need to get reps here.' So, we wanted to get ahead.

"We had those conversations with Vientos, we had those conversations with Brett Baty. We also got Jared Young, we got Joey Meneses ... So, we’ve got depth there, we’ve got some options, and then we’ll see how it plays out—not only from now until we get to spring training but once we get to Houston."

Carlos Mendoza bullish on Pete Alonso's potential Mets internal replacement

MLB: New York Mets at Washington Nationals - Source: Imagn

Third baseman Mark Vientos will, in all likelihood, be asked to move to first base if the Mets are unable to re-sign Alonso. Mendoza, while discussing contingency plans, said he believes in Vientos and his ability to take on a new challenge.

"This is a guy that went through a lot last year. He wants to win, he’s willing to do whatever it takes," Mendoza said. "So, uh, not worried. This is a guy that is up for any challenge. He wants to win, he’s willing to do whatever it takes. And like I said, we’ll see what happens."

While the Mets remain hopeful for Alonso’s return, Mendoza is prepared for the possibility otherwise