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

Jesse Winker got to a Mets team in late July that had been hovering around .500 for most of the season.By the end of the year, the Mets came within two wins of the World Series.The 31-year-old Winker is back with the Mets on a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, and will be teammates with Juan Soto, which gives the team some of the same expectations they had in the second half of 2024.Asked during a Zoom call on Wednesday if he felt there was “unfinished business” following last year’s loss to the Dodgers in the NLCS, Winker said, “For sure.”“I think anytime you come that close to getting to the World Series, you’re always gonna want to give it another shot,” Winker said.“You never know how close you’re gonna be again.

It’s precious.”The roster figures to look considerably different in 2025, as the Mets added Soto on a 15-year, $765 million deal, as well as Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas to the rotation and A.J.Minter to the bullpen.Sean Manaea was brought back on a three-year, $75 million deal, but Luis Severino left for Sacramento to join the A’s.The Mets remain in the market for more relief help and there continues to be a question mark at first base.Pete Alonso remains a free agent and, at least for now, the Mets’ plan appears to be to move Mark Vientos across the diamond from third base and go with an unproven quantity like Brett Baty, Ronny Maurico or Luisangel Acuña at third.How the lefty-swinging Winker factors into the mix remains to be seen.

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Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! He said Wednesday he believes his role would be “very similar” to what he did after coming over from the Nationals prior to the trade deadline, which was playing some corner outfield, some DH, as w...