As SNY's Andy Martino has hinted to on several occassions, the Mets will indeed begin the season with Pete Alonso on their 25-man roster, GM Brodie Van Wagenen confirmed Wednesday.
It's been considered a strong possibility fellow first baseman Dominic Smith joins the 24-year-old while the Mets use analytical tools to determine how to maximize production from both Smith and Alonso, according to Martino.
Mets manager Mickey Callaway also sounded like he was leaning that direction while speaking with reporters last Wednesday.
.@Pete_Alonso20 is ready for The Show. pic.twitter.com/7XthQS5SPR
- SNY (@SNYtv) March 27, 2019
Alonso is the Mets' top prospect and began Spring Training having to earn his spot onto the team.
He was on a tear in his Grapefruit League games, finishing Spring Training with a slash line of .352/.387/.620 with four home runs, five doubles and 11 RBI in 71 at-bats.
Alonso's chances of breaking camp with the team increased with injuries to Todd Frazier and Jed Lowrie, both of whom are not ready to return by Opening Day on Thursday.
By starting the season on the 25-man roster, Alonso will begin his MLB service time -- allowing him to reach free agency a year earlier than if he started the first two weeks of the season in Triple-A.
According to Newsday, Van Wagenen called it a "high-class problem" to have if Alonso stays in the majors for good and is eligible for free agency a year earlier, preferring to emphasize winning over service time.