The free agency standoff between the New York Mets and Pete Alonso is still dragging on. Could president of baseball operations David Stearns pivot away from the club’s homegrown slugger and pursue a trade for Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle?

While the Toronto Blue Jays have been floated as a potential landing spot for Alonso, SNY’s Andy Martino thinks it’ll be tough for them to top the Mets’ most recent offer. New York offered the slugger a three-year, $70 million deal that contained some deferred money.

The Mets haven’t officially closed the door on a reunion with Alonso. However, SI.com’s Pat Ragazzo reports they’re investigating other external options as potential alternatives.

“In addition to (Spencer) Torkelson, the Mets have also discussed a potential trade for Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle as a possible replacement option for Alonso, sources told Mets On SI,” Ragazzo wrote. “Mountcastle, who will turn 28 years old in February, comes with two years of control and is set to make just $6.787 million in 2025.”

Mountcastle set an Orioles rookie record with 33 home runs during the 2021 campaign, which also included 89 RBI and a .796 OPS. However, he has not matched that level of production since. The right-handed slugger hit .271/.308/.425 with 13 homers, 30 doubles, 63 RBI, and 54 runs scored in 473 plate appearances last season.

Adding Mountcastle to the mix wouldn’t be the same as re-signing Alonso. But as negotiations drag on, the Mets are preparing for 2025 as if their homegrown four-time All-Star will be playing elsewhere.