DALLAS — Are you considering signing Pete Alonso?
The Mets have added significant impact to their lineup with the addition of Juan Soto in a record deal, and team officials have set themselves up to fill other holes.
At or near the top of that list are decisions regarding first base.
“We want Pete back. Pete was a great Met,” Director of Baseball Operations David Stearns said during Monday's winter meetings. “He's had some big hits for us, so let's see how it goes.”
Stearns did not comment on Soto (the outfielder's 15-year, $765 million record-setting contract has not yet been officially announced), but he did not comment on the financial implications of re-signing Alonso. He said he was not worried about the restrictions.
There's no word on how far the Mets intend to take Alonso, but he had an off year by his standards last season, hitting .240/.329 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs.
The 34 home runs were a career low for Alonso in a full season.
“I think our ownership has consistently shown that the resources are there when we need them,” Stearns said. “When we think there are baseball moves to improve our team, we have the ability to make baseball moves. We're going to continue to pursue a wide range of areas to continue to improve our team.”
Follow The Post's coverage of Juan Soto's historic blockbuster deal with the Mets.
Mark Vientos is a candidate to move from third to first if Alonso is not re-signed, but Stearns said it was too early to consider that possibility.
“We have a long way to go before we decide who our starting first baseman will be,” Stearns said. “I am confident that we will have a starting first baseman by opening day.''
Stearns acknowledged the Mets could sign a new starting pitcher, but suggested there was no sense of urgency with the addition of Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to the rotation.
“I think we have room.” [another starter]but I don't think that's necessary,” Stearns said. “We're going to continue to evaluate the market where we think there's an opportunity to acquire players who can improve us, and we're definitely going to pursue that.”
Follow The Post's coverage from the winter meetings in Dallas for all the latest on MLB contracts, trades, rumors and more.
The high end of the starting pitcher market includes Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
The Mets could also explore reuniting with Sean Manaea after his breakout season with the club.
Joel Sherman of the newspaper reported that the Mets are interested in Jonathan Loaisiga, who is returning from elbow surgery that limited him to three games with the Yankees last season.
Montas, Holmes, Kodai Chiga, and David Peterson are obvious additions to the Mets' starting rotation, but they also include Paul Blackburn, Tyler Megill, and Jose Butt (who pitched primarily as a reliever last season). is included.
