PORT ST. LUCIE — Peter Alonso’s one-track mind is playing on a continuous loop this spring: Win the Mets’ starting first-base job.
The 24-year-old slugger spent the offseason working extensively on his fielding and conditioning, and this week will begin trying to show team officials he belongs.
It’s clear Alonso has the kind of power needed for the position — he hit 36 homers last season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas — but now he must complement that booming bat with improved defense in a giant push to reach his dream.
“I just want to force somebody’s hand,” Alonso said Saturday at First Data Field.