The Mets will have different questions to answer this offseason

The Mets entered the offseason last year in transition mode after shedding large contracts that still had significant amounts owed.

There will be no such talk of a transition this offseason after the Mets advanced to Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers and captivated a fan base longing for October fun.

As the Dodgers prepare to face the Yankees in the World Series, the Mets begin to close the gap between them and their West Coast rival.

Here are the big questions facing team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns:

How hard will the Mets pursue Juan Soto?

The Mets did not enter the Aaron Judgege sweepstakes two years ago, which was a gesture by Cohen to his neighbor.

But this time there's a big difference: Judge was a homegrown Yankee and the odds were stacked against him leaving the Bronx.

Soto falls more into the mercenary category after the Nationals traded him to the Padres, who traded him to the Yankees last winter.

Soto, who turns 26 on Friday, would help retool a Mets lineup that paled in comparison to the Dodgers' wrecking crew of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

Francisco Lindor is at that level as an offensive player and Mark Vientos appears to be on his way, but the Dodgers' lineup has far outperformed the Mets.

Where does Pete Alonso fit?

Stearns won't give the free agent first baseman a blank check. Alonso had a solid regular season, notably hitting two big home runs in the postseason – one of which helped the Mets advance past the wild card round – but there were also many periods where Alonso just seemed to disappear.

The Soto factor only complicates the Alonso decision. If the Mets push hard to sign Soto (who, like Alonso, is represented by Scott Boras), does that leave room for another potential nine-figure contract?

Maybe the Mets are happy with Vientos' development as a third baseman and decide to keep him at that position.

But moving Vientos to first base would also open up opportunities at third base for Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio, among others.

Alonso is part of the fabric of the organization, but at what cost over how many years?

Who from this starting rotation should stay?

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 a position to compete for a job in spring training.

And don't forget Jose Butto, who moved to the bullpen out of necessity this season but was still able to figure into rotation plans.

Corbin Burnes is the prominent name available via free agency – the right-hander was drafted by the Brewers during Stearns' tenure leading the front office.

Max Fried is another notable free agent.

But could the Mets be content to gamble on their own free agents — Sean Manaea (he's opting out), Luis Severino and Jose Quintana — and bring back at least one of that group?

Are there still places for the veteran core?

The most famous names are Jose Iglesias, Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte.

Iglesias didn't play in the big leagues last season, but he got a chance with the Mets and thrived.

That positions the 34-year-old for a major league contract, but are the Mets willing to go that route with McNeil signed for two more seasons and Mauricio, Luisangel Acuña and Jett Williams among the names in the infield mix belong?

Could the Mets also try to bring Iglesias back for a year and trade McNeil, who has been a disappointment the last two seasons?

The 36-year-old Marte is entering the final year of his contract and the Mets could use better defense in right field. Will Marte step into a DH role? Will the Mets trade him?

The veteran outfielder still has value, but probably not as a regular right fielder.

Where will they find relief?

Finding enough arms to fill a bullpen has been an ongoing theme throughout the season and will only continue into the winter.

Edwin Diaz still has three years left on the $102 million deal he received before the 2023 season and still brings stability to the back of the bullpen. Reed Garrett and Butto are two other reliable arms under the club's control.

The Mets, like last winter, will be looking en masse for replacement players who can opt out.