The Mets lost out on Roki Sasaki but ended up with what they hope is a pretty good consolation prize in 17-year-old shortstop Elian Peña from the Dominican Republic. 

Considered by some scouts to be the next-best international free agent outside of Sasaki, Peña signed a $5 million deal with the Mets on Wednesday, the first day of the international signing period. 

The move takes up most of the team’s $6.2 million bonus pool. 

If the Mets had been able to sign Sasaki — the Japanese right-hander who has narrowed his choices to the Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays and is expected to sign within the week — they wouldn’t have had enough money left to bring in Peña. 

Of course, Peña figures to be at least several years away from possibly contributing at the major league level, while Sasaki, 23, is expected to be a top-of-the-rotation starter this season. 

The Mets have been linked to Peña since last year and gave him the largest signing bonus in franchise history, far surpassing the $2.85 million given to Venezuelan catcher Yovanny Rodriguez a year ago.

Peña’s bonus is the biggest of any Latin player this year and is also one of the largest bonuses in MLB history. 

Listed at 5-foot-10, the lefty-swinging Peña has impressed more at the plate than in the field. 

“If you don’t get Sasaki, this will make it easier to take,’’ one American League scout said of Peña. “I’m not sure there’s anyone with more upside offensively than Peña.” 

His glove needs some work, according to scouts, but he’s signed for his bat. 

“You’re never sure how these guys are going to develop physically or skill-wise, but he has a swing that stands out already,’’ the scout said. 

There have been early comparisons to Boston third baseman Rafael Devers, but another scout wasn’t convinced Peña will hit as many homers. 

“He’s got power, discipline at the plate and knows how to play the game,’’ the scout said. “He’s going to be a dangerous, well-rounded hitter if all goes well.’’ 

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told SNY that Peña is “a unique talent.” 

“It’s rare a player as young as Elian becomes as famous as Elian has at this point in career. … He’s very advanced for his age.” 

Stearns also praised Peña’s understanding of the strike zone, power and work ethic. 

Peña is expected to immediately be considered one of the Mets’ top-10 prospects.

If all goes well, Peña will follow in the footsteps of Francisco Alvarez, who the Mets signed out of Venezuela for $2.7 million in 2018 and has since become a solid major league catcher. 

Peña will join a prospect group that includes infielders Luisangel Acuña, Ronny Mauricio and Jett Williams, and outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, as well as pitchers Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell. 

The Mets’ system was hit hard by injuries last season, with Mauricio, Williams and Gilbert suffering injuries.

They also lost promising right-hander Christian Scott to Tommy John surgery after he made nine starts for the Mets last season.