New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso continues to cement himself as one of the best players in franchise history.
In his first six seasons with the team, he made four All-Star Games and won the Home Run Derby twice. Now, he’s continuing to climb the franchise’s all-time home runs list.
In Sunday’s 13-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies, Alonso homered twice, moving ahead of former third baseman David Wright for the second-most home runs (243) in franchise history. Wright knew it was coming.
“He did a lot quicker than I did, that’s for sure,” Wright told MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo in May. “Certainly one of the premier power hitters in baseball. It just seems like every time the ball leaves his bat it’s got a chance to get out of the ballpark. And it doesn’t even matter what ballpark he is playing in.”
Wright played 1,585 games with the Mets from 2004-18, while Alonso has played 912 games for the team.
The 30-year-old first baseman needs 10 more home runs to eclipse Darryl Strawberry’s mark for the most homers in franchise history. Don’t be surprised if he does this soon.
Alonso has finished with 30 home runs or more five times in his career. Through his first 66 games this season, he has 17 home runs, tied for the 11th most in baseball.
The Mets, meanwhile, look like a legit championship contender. They’re 42-24 and have won five of their last seven games, including two victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending champions.
This offseason, the Mets signed Alonso to a two-year, $54M contract. It’s safe to say that move is paying off. He’s one reason the Mets may reach their first World Series since 2015.
