Pete Alonso's path to returning to the New York Mets just keeps getting more complicated. Talks between the four-time All-Star and the Mets appeared to hit a wall last week. Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that team owner Steve Cohen called negotiations with Alonso and agent Scott Boras "exhausting.

In terms of how the Mets might be looking beyond Alonso, Jesse Winker was re-signed last week, filling another hole on the position-player side. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman wrote that the Mets asked both Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to start working out at first base, with Baty also getting some reps as a second baseman.

As the MLB offseason continues, the Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen, appear to be pivoting, with free agent Pete Alonso likely not returning.

It appears Pete Alonso is going, going, gone. The first Amazin' Day fan festival at Citi Field did not bring with it a dramatic resolution to Alonso's free-agent saga — but did seem to confirm the New York Mets' most popular and prolific power hitter is likely to sign elsewhere as Major League Baseball spring training nears.

Prior to the start of free agency, some MLB fans assumed the New York Mets would quickly get a deal done with Pete Alonso. Fast forward to the end of January, and the two sides seem miles apart on an agreement.