PORT ST. LUCIE — Pete Alonso is the present, but his status on the team beyond this year remains uncertain. 

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There’s a power-hitting first baseman coming through the Mets pipeline for the future, however. 

Ryan Clifford opened some eyes last year — recording 18 home runs, 58 RBIs and an .815 OPS in 99 games with Double-A Binghamton.

The Mets acquired the 21-year Clifford as part of the deal that sent Justin Verlander back to the Astros in 2023.