Just before Mets owner Steve Cohen answered a question about where things stand with Alonso, a homegrown star and free agent first baseman, during a panel discussion, a spirited crowd began chanting, “Let’s Sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete!”

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.

The Mets held their first winter event for fans in five years at Citi Field on Saturday, and Pete Alonso was a notable absence.

Pete Alonso is yet to decide where he will play baseball next season with the free agent unable to agree terms to return to the New York Mets and extend his stay in Queens

The New York Mets appear to be looking ahead to life without Pete Alonso. Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported Friday that the Mets are considering a move for Detroit Tigers infielder Spencer Torkelson to possibly replace their longtime first baseman Alonso.