Mark Vientos, Brett Baty adjusting to new reality that could shift them to first base

If the Mets are truly going to move on from Pete Alonso, it may have ramifications for Mark Vientos and Brett Baty.The pair of young Mets believe they are up for the challenge.Both natural third basemen were instructed by the Mets earlier this month to mix in defensive work at first base, The Post’s Joel Sherman first reported on Friday, a sign the club has begun to prepare for life without Alonso.As long as Alonso remains a free agent, a path back to the Mets remains possible — even with Steve Cohen throwing cold water on the state of negotiations — but in the meantime Vientos and Baty are trying to make themselves in-house options to step into Polar Bear-sized shoes at first base.“It’s hard not to pay attention to it when you see it on every platform,” Vientos said of the noise surrounding Alonso, whose absence loomed large at Saturday’s fan fest at Citi Field.“I’ve been getting ready for anything that happens.

At the end of the day, you gotta go out there and play.I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”Even if it’s across the diamond from his regular position.“I love playing third base, but right now, my main focus is what can I do for us to get to the World Series and win a championship?” said Vientos, whose offensive emergence last season played a key role in the Mets reaching the NLCS.

“That’s what I want.”While Vientos has played 84 games at first base as a pro (70 in the minors and 14 in the majors), Baty has not played there since he was a sophomore in high school.Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! But the Mets are trying to give themselves options on the two corner infield spots heading into spring training, barring further roster moves.Baty said president of baseball oper...