Pete Alonso, the New York Mets All-Star slugger, put on a show yesterday. He cemented his place in baseball history with a remarkable performance against the Seattle Mariners.
Alonso’s two home runs and four RBIs not only powered the Mets to a 6-3 victory but also secured his third season with 40 homers and 100 RBIs, a feat that places him among elite company in the annals of the game.
In the first inning, Alonso started the fireworks with an RBI single, setting the tone for the game. However, it was his two-run homer in the third that etched his name in the record books.
Alonso became just the fifth player in major league history to record at least three 40-homer seasons in his first five seasons, joining Ralph Kiner (four times), Eddie Mathews, Ryan Howard, and Albert Pujols.
“Kind of mind-baffling. Impressive names. I had no idea,” Alonso said.
Pete Alonso is elite
(via SNY) pic.twitter.com/DpLjb6BeJk
— Amazin' Army (@WE_ARE_MET_FANS) September 3, 2023
Alonso continued his home run spree with a solo shot in the seventh inning, marking his fourth season with at least 100 RBIs. He now stands alongside Mets legends David Wright (five times), Carlos Beltrán, and Darryl Strawberry (each three times) as the only players in franchise history to achieve this milestone.
Mets manager Buck Showalter praised Alonso’s consistency and dedication, saying: “Through thick and thin, we know one thing: Pete’s going to walk through that door the same guy every day. Pleasure to be around. He never has a bad day. He cares about his teammates, cares about the Mets. And to see guys like him have success, it makes it even more enjoyable.”
While Alonso continues to etch his name in Mets history, speculation looms about his future with the team. The slugger can become a free agent after the 2024 season – and following the Mets summer trades of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to replenish their farm system, trade rumors have swirled around Alonso.
"Regardless of what's happening externally, that doesn't change my job. My job is to come in every day and do whatever I can to help the team win. Every possible day"
– Pete Alonso on if there is an added challenge for him this season with how the team is performing pic.twitter.com/TXogumkQMy
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 3, 2023
“Everybody knows that’s part of the game until the contract is done,” remarked New York shortstop Francisco Lindor, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Alonso’s future in the Mets organization.
What do you think about Alonso?
Should the Mets lock him up long-term and build around him?
Or is he just a solid slugger who will start to fade before too long?