The Mets entered last year’s offseason in a transition mode after shedding major contracts with significant money still owed.

There won’t be any talk of a transition this season after the Mets advanced to Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers and captivated a fan base hungry for excitement in October.

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

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

How heavily will the Mets pursue Juan Soto?

The Mets did not participate in the Aaron Judge game two years ago as part of a kind gesture from Cohen to his neighbor.

But this time there’s a big difference: Judge was a homegrown Yankee and there was little chance he would leave The Bronx.

Soto falls more into the category of hired gun after the Nationals traded him to the Padres, who dealt him to the Yankees last winter.

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

Francisco Lindor is at that level of offensive performer and Mark Vientos appears to be on the way, but the Dodgers’ lineup largely outpaced the Mets.

Where does Pete Alonso fit?

Stearns isn’t going to hand the free-agent first baseman a blank check. Alonso had a solid regular season, most notably hitting two big home runs in the postseason – one of which allowed the Mets to advance past the wild-card round – but there were also many moments where Alonso just seemed to disappear.

What only complicates the Alonso decision is the Soto factor. If the Mets go all out to land Soto (who, like Alonso, is represented by Scott Boras), does that leave room for another potential nine-figure contract?

Perhaps the Mets are pleased with Vientos’ growth as a third baseman and decide to leave him at the position.

But Vientos’ move to first base would also open up opportunities for the likes of Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio at third base.

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

Who should be left out of this starting rotation?

The names under club control next season include Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott.

The Mets’ top pitcher, Brandon Sproat, could be in a position to compete for a starting job in spring training.

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

Corbin Burnes is the big name available in free agency; the right-hander was drafted by the Brewers during Stearns’ tenure as head of the front office.

Max Fried is another notable free agent.

But could the Mets be content with looking at their own free agents — Sean Manaea (he’s on the verge of opting out), Luis Severino and Jose Quintana — and returning at least one from that group?

Are there still places available for the veteran core?

The most prominent names to consider are Jose Iglesias, Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte.

Iglesias didn’t play in the major leagues last season, but got a chance with the Mets and thrived.

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

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

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

The veteran outfielder still has value, but probably not as an everyday right fielder.

Where will they find relief?

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

Edwin Diaz has three years left on the $102 million deal he received before the 2023 season and continues to bring stability to the back end of the bullpen. Reed Garrett and Butto are two other reliable branches under club control.

The Mets – as was the case last winter – will be looking en masse for relievers who can come out.