PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Since he made his major league debut in 2019, Pete Alonso has only donned the New York Mets uniform, and on Monday, he expressed his excitement about returning to the team. He revealed that communication from Mets management regarding their desire for him to stay played a crucial role in his decision. Alonso stated, “For me, this was it. Throughout the entire offseason, we had the best dialogue from the Mets and that was it. This was the best opportunity for me, and I’m very happy to be back.”
Recently, Alonso finalized a two-year contract worth $54 million, ensuring his place in New York. Team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations, David Stearns, traveled to Tampa to have direct discussions with Alonso, aiming to secure the deal. “I respect that so much and appreciate dealing with people face to face,” he commented, valuing the personal touch in negotiations.
Alonso boasts a remarkable record as the only player in Mets history to achieve five seasons with 30 or more home runs. With a total of 226 home runs, he ranks third in the franchise’s history, trailing only Darryl Strawberry (252) and David Wright (242). Since joining the Mets, Alonso leads the league with 586 RBIs, standing just behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in home runs, who has 232.
In the past season, Alonso recorded a batting average of .240 along with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, but his performance included an unfortunate 172 strikeouts. Although he lingered in the free-agent market longer than some other star players, he mentioned the positive outcomes that emerged from swing adjustments he implemented during the previous season. This effort contributed to the Mets’ advancement to the National League Championship Series, with his notable three-run homer in the ninth inning against Brewers closer Devin Williams crucial for clinching a win in the wild-card playoff series.
“I didn’t have my best year,” Alonso reflected. “That’s no secret. For me, I’m just really happy I was able to make those adjustments, and I’m really looking forward to having a runway this year.” With renewed determination, Alonso aims to play a vital role in leading the Mets back to the playoffs.
He also expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Juan Soto, a standout player acquired during the offseason. Soto inked a monumental 15-year deal worth $765 million, believed to be the most lucrative contract in team sports history. “We all know Juan is a phenomenal player,” Alonso remarked, acknowledging Soto’s impact. “He definitely makes us better. He would’ve made any team better. I’m just really thankful that he ended up with us because it seems any time you play against Juan Soto, he has a big hit or takes someone up top or makes a game-changing play.”
