With the season over and the dream of a World Series appearance shattered, Pete Alonso spent what might be his final moments in the New York Mets clubhouse connecting with those who mattered most to him.
He locked eyes with third baseman Mark Vientos, both of them teary, as he encouraged the young star, telling him he was a true big leaguer and to never take anything for granted. Alonso then hugged Mets’ press relations stalwart Ethan Wilson, thanking him for his support. Later, with his Mets cap turned backward and a beer in hand, he joined a group of Mets pitchers, laughing, swapping stories, and savoring the camaraderie.
The Mets’ 10-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday might have been Alonso’s last game with the only team he’s ever played for—the organization that drafted him nearly nine years ago. Alonso went 2-for-4, including an RBI bloop single, a far cry from the towering home runs that defined his career. As a homegrown star in New York, he became one of the franchise’s greatest sluggers, ranking third all-time with 226 career home runs. Whether he’ll add to that total remains uncertain. After the World Series, Alonso will enter free agency.
When asked if he would tell his agent, Scott Boras, to do whatever it takes to keep him in Queens, Alonso’s future remains to be seen.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought of anything that far,” Alonso said. “I mean, I love this team. I love this organization. This fan base has treated not just myself but my family so, so well. Right now, I am just thinking of the group. We’ll see what happens. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. But I love New York. I love this team. This group is really special. The memories we created together are just, wow.”
For most of a year, Alonso had shared a similar version of that answer whenever he was questioned about free agency and his desire to stay with the Mets. He has long said he loves New York and playing for the Mets. But before his walk year, he hired Boras, known for exploring the open market with his clients in an effort to get the best deal possible. Alonso could return to the Mets. A couple of years ago, Brandon Nimmo, the team’s longest-tenured player, also hired Boras ahead of his walk year only to re-sign with the Mets.
“Pete has done so much for this organization, right from the get-go,” Nimmo said. “He means a lot to the fan base and to this team. We’d love to see him back here.
“But also going through that process, I understand it’s a business. He will end up doing what’s best for him and his family. He’s earned the right to get this point, there’s no question about that. But I think this October has definitely topped it off. He came through in clutch situations. He was just vintage Polar Bear Pete. I think Mets fans will remember that fondly regardless. But we will see what happens this offseason.”
In his comments, Nimmo brought up an interesting observation: Alonso had a standout postseason performance. He kept the Mets’ season alive in the Wild Card Series with a three-run homer against Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams. He continued delivering in crucial moments, including another three-run home run in the first inning of Game 5 against the Dodgers on Friday. Alonso’s postseason production helped redeem what was otherwise a below-average regular season for him.
Entering free agency, Alonso hit 34 home runs with a .788 OPS (123 OPS+). While respectable, it marked his lowest home run total in a full season, and his OPS dropped significantly below his career average of .854. He also struggled with runners on base throughout much of the season.
Alonso’s upcoming free agency creates an intriguing situation for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who had an impressive first year, and owner Steve Cohen, who is known for his willingness to spend. Alonso, who will be 30 next season, faces questions about how well his power-hitting profile will age. Speculatively, the Mets have several options, such as moving Vientos to first base. However, Alonso’s significance as a homegrown star may hold more value to the Mets than to any other team.
For now, Alonso insisted he hadn’t thought about the future. Alonso said he didn’t know when he would start considering it, either because he was too focused on the sting of defeat, the finality of a season ending.
“This is all I’ve known,” Alonso said. “It’s been a blessing and an honor. I can’t thank everyone enough for not just the past six years but all the people who helped get me to the big leagues in the minor league system. There’s so many coaches, teammates that I’ve had that have helped get me to this point. Over the past nine years, this is all I’ve known. I’ve loved every second of it.”
(Top photo: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images
