The Mets prepare for a potential future without Pete Alonso, and reportedly told their young infielders to get ready.
The Post’s Joel Sherman reports that the Mets said Marc Vientos And Brett Baty start practicing at first base early in the new year. Vientos reportedly met with manager Carlos Mendoza and field coach Mike Sarbaugh who gave him infield drills to work on at first and third base. The young slugger did it in South Florida and even trained with Luis Riverathe Single-A manager of the Mets.
Baty was instructed to work at first, second and third base in his home state of Texas.
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported after the Jesse Winker signing that the Mets are operating in hopes that Alonso will sign elsewhere. Martino also noted that the Mets’ most likely on-field configuration will emphasize youth and versatility. According to Martino, New York views Vientos as best suited to play first if Alonso doesn’t re-sign with the Mets, while BatyRonny Mauricio And Luisangel Acun / A are other potential options on the internal field.
With that in mind, it makes sense for the team to prepare its younger players to play first while the organization awaits Alonso’s decision. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to meet on February 12 and full team workouts will begin on February 17.
Since signing Winker, the Mets have also added AJ Minter to their bullpen, an area of need that Martino said the team is studying.
Currently shortstop Francisco Lindor is the only Mets infielder who knows where he’ll play in 2025. Of course, Vientos’ rise last season means his spot on the Opening Day roster is all but assured, but the 25-year-old years old played third base for most of the year. . Vientos has experience at first base at the major league level, playing in 14 career games – four in 2024 – at the position.
Baty, whose natural position is third, has not played first base in either the majors or minors.