Alonso remains the top power hitter available, but as a first baseman with little value outside of his bat, his market has not developed as he hoped. Most recently, the four-time All-Star’s camp extended an exclusive offer to the Mets, believed to be for three years with a high average annual value.

At some point the Mets either have to hear that Alonso is willing to accept their financial view of him or will get more aggressive elsewhere, probably pretty soon.

But quietly, the Mets brought back left-hander Sean Manaea, which could go a long way towards shoring up the pitching staff. The 33-year-old Manaea had a fantastic season in New York, learning a new arm slot and becoming the most reliable starter in the Mets' rotation.