New York Mets owner Steve Cohen publicly acknowledged that contract talks with free-agent first baseman and Mets fan-favorite Pete Alonso have been "an exhausting" process. It seems Cohen isn't yet ready to completely move on from the 30-year-old slugger.

The New York Mets are still waiting out Pete Alonso, but that hasn't stopped David Stearns from keeping busy. On Wednesday the team re-signed a key piece of its 2024 postseason run, agreeing with Ryne Stanek on a one-year deal.

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. If Alonso ends up elsewhere, league sources expect the Mets to look for bullpen help and potentially add someone who can provide depth in the infield.

The only reason we’re having this conversation two weeks after the Mets' pivot is that Pete Alonso has not yet found a home with another team.

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.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns discussed ongoing contract negotiations with star first baseman Pete Alonso, emphasizing the need for Alonso to align his demands with the team's terms.

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

The New York Mets may be trying to replace righty power with righty power. Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported Tuesday that the Mets are looking into a potential trade for Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle.