Exclusive | Mets pushing for Pete Alonso resolution with time of the essence

The Mets and Pete Alonso continue to talk about a possible deal that could potentially keep him in Queens, at least in the short term — although there was still thought to be a gap between offer and counteroffer and, thus, plenty of work left to do as time runs short. While the sides are said to be making progress on at least the structure of a proposed deal that’s expected to be for three years and include at least one opt out, there was no word by Wednesday that the sides have closed the substantial financial hurdle that’s hung over these high-profile talks regarding the star free-agent first baseman. And the Mets have let Alonso’s camp know they need a decision — and soon — on whether the two sides can do a deal as they want to make sure to leave themselves enough time and options to pivot elsewhere prior to spring training, The Post has learned. Whether the Mets have set a firm deadline is not publicly known, but they have heightened the call for resolution one way or the other, not wanting to see other alternatives leave the marketplace while they wait for Alonso. For example, Anthony Santander is a 40-homer bat who remains available as a potential counter should the Mets fail to retain Alonso. Or the Mets could redirect significant funds toward building an elite bullpen by targeting Tanner Scott and a still deep free-agent relief pool. While the sides appear amenable to that short-term structure, one big question remains: Can they bridge the gap in finances to keep the slugging first baseman in Flushing? Prior to their signing elsewhere, the Mets at least considered other players to hit in the middle of the lineup, from Teoscar Hernandez to Joc Pederson and even Paul Goldschmidt. Alonso’s case has not been helped by the number of first basemen who have already found new homes this offseason, including Goldschmidt, Jake Burger, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana and Christian Walker. And Detroit got out of the first base market w...