Je se Winker got to a Mets team in late July that had been hovering around .500 for most of the season. By the end of the year, the Mets came within two wins of the World Series. The 31-year-old Winker is back with the Mets on a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, and will be teammates with Juan Soto, which gives the team some of the same expectations they had in the second half of 2024. Mets outfielder Je se Winker celebrates as he rounds the bases after his solo home run in Game 3 of the NLDS. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Pete Alonso remains a free agent. Robert Sabo for NY Post Asked during a Zoom call on Wednesday if he felt there was unfinished busine s following last years lo s to the Dodgers in the NLCS, Winker said, For sure. David Fletcher Jersey Explore More I think anytime you come that close to getting to the World Series, youre always gonna want to give it another shot, Winker said. You never know how close youre gonna be again. Its precious. The roster figures to look considerably different in 2025, as the Mets added Soto on a 15-year, $765 million deal, as well as Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas to the rotation and A.J. Minter to the bullpen. Sean Manaea was brought back on a three-year, $75 million deal, but Luis Severino left for Sacramento to join the As. Join us for Je se Winker's pre s conference! New York Mets (@Mets) The Mets remain in the market for more relief help and there continues to be a question mark at first base. and, at least for now, the Mets plan appears to be to move Mark Vientos acro s the diamond from third base and go with an unproven quantity like Brett Baty, Ronny Maurico or Luisangel Acua at third. How the lefty-swinging Winker factors into the mix remains to be seen. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! He said Wednesday he believes his role would be very similar to what he did after coming over from the Nationals prior to the trade deadline, which was playing some corner outfield, some DH, as well as coming off the bench. Winker added that he played a bit of first base during a rehab a signment in 2023, and felt comfortable enough to fill in at the spot on occasion. What the Mets need more, though, is for Winker to produce at the plate like he did in spurts last season and in the playoffs, when his energy and emotion helped spark the team, along with Jose Iglesias, whos also still on the free agent market. Je se Winker remains in the dugout as the Dodgers celebrate after beating the Mets to advance to the World Series. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post When he joined the club last season, Winker had something of a contentious relationship with Mets fans from his days with Cincinnati, when he drew their wrath by waving to the crowd after a home run, but it turned into a lovefest by the end of the postseason. He hopes that continues. This fan base, they carried us, Winker said. We wouldnt have been able to do anything without them. Its a special city, a special place. Mets outfielder Je se Winker celebrates on the field after his team defeated the Phillies 4-1 to advance to the NLCS. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post And it ended with what Winker called a cool experience. Hopefully this year we can make it happen again. John Smoltz Jersey