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.

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.

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.

If the Mets are truly going to move on from Pete Alonso, it may have ramifications for Mark Vientos and Brett Baty. The pair of young Mets believe they are up for the challenge. Both natural third basemen were instructed by the Mets earlier this month to mix in defensive work at first base,

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 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.

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,

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

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