David Stearns anticipates that Pete Alonso will be the New York Mets' first baseman on Opening Day next year as the slugger enters his final season under team control.

Stearns stopped short of saying Alonso would not be traded this winter but gave every indication Alonso would start his last season before free agency with the Mets.

"Pete's a really good player," Stearns said. "And he's been a good player and a high-producing player for a long time. We're fortunate to have him. I'm looking forward to watching him play this season. And I'm not going to predict the future."

Alonso has hit 192 home runs in five seasons, including the shortened 2020 campaign.

"They view Pete as a core part of their team," agent Scott Boras said not long before Stearns addressed reporters. "We let [Stearns] know that when it comes to the 'Polar Bear,' we're not in contract hibernation. ... We're open to listening. Pete has directed me to listen to what they have to say. We'll go from there."