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.

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."

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,