Pete Alonso, his agent Scott Boras and the New York Mets remain at a stalemate in contract negotiations. Former GM and current analyst Jim Duquette reported la

For free agents, spring training is something of a soft signing deadline. No one wants to be without a job when camp opens. Free agents want to know where they're playing, where they're going to live,

The longtime Met is still available halfway through January. We compare him to past first basemen to see if he's worth a big deal.

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.

The Mets and Pete Alonso navigate contract negotiations. Find out how this crucial decision will shape the team's success.

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.