Pete Alonso, the All-Star slugger for the New York Mets, solidified his place in baseball history on Sunday with a remarkable performance. In a game against the Seattle Mariners, Alonso hit two home runs and drove in four runs, surpassing both the 40 home run and 100 RBI milestones for the second consecutive season. This incredible feat has put Alonso in the same league as some of the sport’s greatest players.
Alonso’s achievements in this game were truly remarkable. His RBI single in the first inning and two-run shot in the third made him only the fifth player in major league history to attain at least three 40-homer seasons within his first five campaigns. This exclusive group includes legendary players such as Ralph Kiner (four times), Eddie Mathews, Ryan Howard, and Albert Pujols. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Alonso expressed his amazement at being mentioned alongside such impressive names, admitting, “Kind of mind-baffling. Impressive names. I had no idea.”
Not only did Alonso’s outstanding performance make headlines, but it also played a crucial role in the New York Mets’ victory over the first-place Seattle Mariners. The Mets won the game with a score of 6-3 and secured the series after taking two out of three games. This defeat marked the Mariners’ first series loss since mid-August, putting a temporary halt to their momentum as they had just set a franchise record with 21 wins in the month of August.
Alonso’s contributions to the Mets throughout his career cannot be overstated. His seventh-inning solo home run in the game against the Mariners made him the fourth player in Mets history to achieve at least three 100-RBI seasons. The only other players to accomplish this impressive feat are David Wright, Carlos Beltrán, and Darryl Strawberry. Mets manager Buck Showalter praised Alonso’s consistency and positive attitude, stating, “Through thick and thin, we know one thing: Pete’s going to walk through that door the same guy every day…to see guys like him have success, it makes it even more enjoyable.”
Alonso’s 41 home runs this season tie him with Carlos Beltrán and Todd Hundley for the second-most home runs in a season in Mets franchise history. However, it is important to note that Alonso still holds the team record with an astonishing 53 home runs as a rookie in 2019. Reflecting on his time with the Mets, Alonso expressed his gratitude for the organization and its fans, stating, “This place has been extremely special to me. New York’s treated me so incredibly well.”
While Alonso’s achievements on the field are commendable, speculation has been circulating about his future with the Mets. As he is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, there have been rumors of the team potentially trading him during the offseason. This comes after the Mets traded away veteran pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander in recent months to strengthen their farm system. New York shortstop Francisco Lindor acknowledged the ongoing speculation, acknowledging, “Everybody knows that’s part of the game until the contract is done.”
Pete Alonso’s impressive performance against the Seattle Mariners solidified his place in baseball history. By surpassing the 40 home run and 100 RBI milestones for the second consecutive season, he joined an elite group of players. Not only did Alonso’s accomplishments make waves within the sport, but they also played a key role in the Mets’ victory over the Mariners. As Alonso continues to set and break records for his team, questions about his future with the Mets linger. Regardless of what lies ahead, Alonso’s impact on the organization and the sport as a whole is undeniable.
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