The Mets did talk to the Brewers (and others) about Pete Alonso (and Milwaukee ownership approved picking up what was left on Alonso’s 2023 salary), but indications are they will try again to keep Alonso long-term.

“Pete is a priority,” one Mets person said.

Since new Mets honcho David Stearns hasn’t started yet, presumably serious talks will wait.

It would be unusual for Milwaukee to trade for Alonso now since he’s only a year from free agency. For the Brewers to surrender real prospects, word is they’d want to lock him up first. And let’s face it, it’s hard to see small-market Milwaukee extending the Mets’ home-grown superstar slugger if his deep-pocketed, beloved team can’t. …

It makes sense the Red Sox would be interested in bringing back Arizona honcho Mike Hazen, but the Diamondbacks are trying to keep him long-term. He is building something special there, so there’s a decent chance Hazen, who has a year plus a team option for 2025 left, stays.

Hazen assistant Amiel Sawdaye, also a former Red Sox exec, could be a consideration for Boston. A couple of others who make sense: Phillies GM Sam Fuld (a New Englander who finished second for Boston’s managing job) and Dodgers exec Josh Byrnes (who also worked in Boston).

Ex-Royals GM Dayton Moore makes sense for a role with the White Sox. New GM Chris Getz played for Moore in Kansas City. …

Congratulations to future Hall of Famer Terry Francona, who has suggested he’ll be stepping away as Cleveland manager after the year. Possible replacements include Rangers bench coach Will Venable (a Princeton teammate of Guardians GM Mike Chernoff) and Guardians bench coach DeMarlo Hale. …

The NL MVP race between Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts is among the best ever. Acuña is likely ahead with most voters, but Betts’ ability to play shortstop and second base shouldn’t be underestimated.