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Jesse Winker open to time at first base to help Mets fill Pete Alonso void

Jesse Winker joined the Mets in late July after hovering around .500 for most of the season.

By the end of the year, the Mets were two wins away from winning the World Series.

The 31-year-old Winker returns to the Mets on a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, giving the team the same expectations as in the second half of 2024 as he will be teammates with Juan Soto.

Mets outfielder Jesse Winker celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in Game 3 of the National Stadium. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Pete Alonso remains a free agent. Robert Szabo of the New York Post

Asked on Wednesday's Zoom call if he felt like he had “unfinished business” after losing to the Dodgers in last year's NL CS, Winker said, “For sure.”

“I think as you get closer to the World Series, you definitely want to try again,” Winker said. “I don't know how close I can get to it again. It's precious.”

The Mets add Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract, add Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas to the rotation, and add AJ Minter to the bullpen, making their 2025 roster quite different. Probably.

Sean Manaea returned on a three-year, $75 million deal, while Luis Severino left for Sacramento to join the Athletics.

The Mets remain in the market for more relief, and question marks continue to loom at first base.

Pete Alonso remains a free agent, and the Mets' plan, at least for now, is to move Mark Vientos from third base to the other side of the diamond, with established third base players like Brett Batty, Ronnie Maurico, and Luis Angel Acuña. It seems like they are using players they don't have.

It remains to be seen how the left-handed winger will fit into the mix.

He said Wednesday that he believes his role will be “very similar” to when he arrived from the Nationals before the trade deadline, playing corner outfield, DH and coming off the bench.

Winker added that he played a little bit as a first baseman during his rehab assignment in 2023, but felt comfortable enough to fill in on the fly from time to time.

But what the Mets need more of is Winker to be as productive at the plate as he was in spurts last season. And in the playoffs, his energy and emotion helped inspire the team, along with fellow free agent Jose Iglesias. agent market.

Jesse Winker remained in the dugout as the Dodgers celebrated defeating the Mets and advancing to the World Series. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

When he joined the club last season, Winker had a controversial relationship with Mets fans from his time in Cincinnati, drawing the ire of fans by waving to the crowd after a home run, but that didn't last until the end of the season. turned into a love fest. postseason.

he hopes it continues.

“This fan base supported us,” Winker said. “We wouldn't be able to do anything without them. This is a special city, a special place.”

Mets outfielder Jesse Winker celebrates on the field after his team defeated the Phillies 4-1 to advance to the NLCS.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

And it ended in what Winker calls a “cool experience.” I hope we can do that again this year. ”

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