The Mets went into the offseason last year in a transition mode after shedding big contracts on which significant money was still owed.
There will be no such talk of transition this offseason, after the Mets advanced to Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers and captivated a fan base starved for October excitement.
As the Dodgers prepare to face the Yankees in the World Series, the Mets begin the quest to close the gap between themselves and their West Coast rival.
Here are the big questions staring at team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns:
How heavily will the Mets pursue Juan Soto?
The Mets didn’t enter the Aaron Judge sweepstakes two years ago as part of a gentlemanly gesture by Cohen toward his neighbor.
But there is a big difference this time around: Judge was a homegrown Yankee and odds were against him leaving The Bronx.
Soto falls more into the category of hired gun after the Nationals traded him to the Padres, who dealt him last winter to the Yankees.
Soto, who turns 26 Friday, would help retool a Mets lineup that paled in comparison to the Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman wrecking crew possessed by the Dodgers.
Francisco Lindor is on that level of offensive performer and Mark Vientos appears on his way, but the Dodgers lineup largely outclassed the Mets.
Where does Pete Alonso fit?
Stearns isn’t going to hand the free-agent first baseman a blank check. Alonso had a solid regular season and hit two big home runs in particular in the postseason — one of which allowed the Mets to advance past the wild-card round — but there were also many stretches when Alonso just seemed to disappear.
Only complicating the Alonso decision is the Soto factor. If the Mets push hard to land Soto (who like Alonso is represented by Scott Boras) does that leave room for another potential nine-figure contract?
Maybe the Mets are satisfied with Vientos’ growth as a third baseman and decide to leave him at the position.
But Vientos moving to first base would also allow opportunities for Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio, among others, at third base.
Alonso is part of the organization’s fabric, but at what cost over how many years?
Who from this starting rotation should stay?
The names under club control for next season include Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott.
The Mets’ top pitching prospect, Brandon Sproat, could be in position to compete for a job in spring training.
And don’t forget Jose Butto, who moved to the bullpen this season out of need, but still could factor into the rotation plans.
Corbin Burnes is the marquee name available through free agency — the right-hander was drafted by the Brewers during Stearns’ tenure heading the front office.
Max Fried is another noteworthy free agent.
But could the Mets be content to look toward their own free agents — Sean Manaea (he is set to opt out), Luis Severino and Jose Quintana — and return at least one from that group?
Are there spots remaining for the veteran nucleus?
The most prominent names to consider are Jose Iglesias, Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte.
Iglesias didn’t play in the major leagues last season, but got a shot with the Mets and thrived.
It has positioned the 34-year-old for a major league contract, but are the Mets willing to go that route with McNeil still signed for another two seasons, with Mauricio, Luisangel Acuña and Jett Williams among the names in the infield mix?
Likewise, might the Mets just look to bring back Iglesias for one year and trade McNeil, who has been a disappointment over the last two seasons?
Marte, 36, will be entering the final year of his contract and the Mets could use better defense in right field. Does Marte slide into a DH role? Will the Mets trade him?
The veteran outfielder still has value, but probably not as an everyday right fielder.
Where will they find relief?
Finding enough arms to fill out a bullpen was an ongoing theme throughout the season and it will only continue into the winter.
Edwin Diaz has three years remaining on the $102 million deal he received before the 2023 season and still brings stability to the bullpen’s back end. Reed Garrett and Butto are two other dependable arms under club control.
The Mets will be searching in bulk — as was the case last winter — for relievers who can get outs.