Pete Alonso’s name was never mentioned during the short Q&A portion, but Winker was asked about his willingness and ability to play first base as the Mets plan to open the season without Alonso, who remains a free agent with less than three weeks to go before spring training.

Smallson sees the Los Angeles Angels as the best fit for Alonso, as they can add some much-needed power to a lineup that only hit 165 home runs last season, tied for eighth-lowest in MLB.