Mets' Carlos Mendoza confesses to overcome with emotion after Pete Alonso sets a new record
Pete Alonso, the power-hitting first baseman for the New York Mets, etched his name into the team's history books on Tuesday night. In a thrilling 13-5 win over the Atlanta Braves, Alonso smashed his 253rd home run, surpassing the previous franchise record [1].
The moment was a poignant one, with Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza expressing his emotion about the event to ESPN. "It's an incredible achievement," Mendoza said. "Pete has been a pivotal part of our team's progression since his arrival, and to see him break this record is truly special."
Alonso's record-breaking home run was the first of two long balls he hit on the night. His impressive performance has been consistent throughout the season, with 28 home runs, 96 RBIs, and an .880 OPS across 119 games [2].
However, the future beyond 2025 remains uncertain for Alonso and the Mets. Alonso is currently under a two-year, $54 million contract with a player opt-out clause after the 2025 season [1]. Given his strong performance, Alonso is expected to exercise this opt-out and seek a longer-term and more lucrative contract [4].
The Mets face a challenging decision. While Alonso is a franchise cornerstone beloved by fans and impactful on the field, the team is reportedly hesitant to commit to a long-term deal due to concerns over the typical decline of right-handed first basemen entering their 30s [3].
Alonso's agent, Scott Boras, is preparing for a potential multi-team bidding war in free agency. Interested teams rumoured to include the Giants, Cubs, Mariners, Red Sox, and Yankees are expected to pursue Alonso aggressively [5].
Alonso was drafted by the Mets during the 2016 MLB Draft and has been a key player for the team since his debut. His long-term goal is to continue playing baseball beyond the end of his current contract, aiming to play until he is 40 years old [6].
The business aspect of Alonso's contract negotiations will be handled by the Mets' management, Steve and David Stearns, who will play a significant role in determining Alonso's long-term future with the team [7].
In 2019, Alonso bashed 53 home runs, setting a major league rookie record and establishing a franchise high for a single season [8]. As the offseason approaches, the focus shifts to Alonso's contract situation, which is likely to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.
[1] Mets' Pete Alonso breaks franchise home run record
[2] Pete Alonso Stats
[3] Mets' Pete Alonso's future uncertain as he approaches free agency
[4] Pete Alonso to opt out of Mets contract, become free agent
[5] Potential suitors for Pete Alonso in free agency
[6] Pete Alonso wants to play baseball until he's 40
[7] Mets' Pete Alonso contract situation
[8] Pete Alonso sets major league rookie home run record
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