The New York Mets are set to embark on their final homestand of the regular season, and it might be the last time fans see Pete Alonso at Citi Field in a Mets uniform. The Mets' first baseman, whose future with the team remains uncertain, is on the brink of free agency. Alonso has been a cornerstone for the Mets since being drafted in 2016, but his tenure may be coming to an end.
A Season on the Brink
As the Mets wrap up their homestand on Sunday, they find themselves in a tight race for a wild-card spot. Currently, they hold an 83-68 record, sharing the second wild-card slot with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Mets also have a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves and are 2 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres. The Mets need to surpass the Padres to secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series.
This final stretch of games is crucial. Following the homestand, the Mets will hit the road for a six-game stretch with stops in Atlanta and Milwaukee. The stakes couldn't be higher, and every game counts as they fight to maintain momentum heading into the postseason. "Next week's series is critical. It's not just about winning games; it’s about gaining momentum and confidence heading into the postseason," said a Mets insider.
Alonso’s Uncertain Future
Pete Alonso has been a fan favorite and a standout performer for the Mets. Over six seasons, he has compiled a slash line of .250/.340/.518 with 225 home runs and 20.1 Wins Above Replacement. Despite his impressive stats, Alonso's future with the team is up in the air. Earlier this year, he rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension offer. For comparison, Paul Goldschmidt's five-year contract is valued at $130 million, putting Alonso's market value into perspective.
Alonso has made it clear that no secretive extension talks have been happening. "I love it here. It's a really special place," he said. Yet, his gut feeling tells him that his time with the Mets might be coming to an end. "I have a gut feeling," Alonso mentioned, hinting at the emotional complexity of his situation.
A Pivotal Week Ahead
The Mets are set to finish their series against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. Following that, they face the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming series against the Braves is particularly significant, as the winner will claim the season series and the advantage in any tiebreaker scenarios.
For the Braves, the competition is equally fierce. They will face the Miami Marlins while the Mets take on the Phillies. Both teams are vying for critical wins to position themselves favorably for the postseason. The Mets' performance in these games will be crucial, not just for their wild-card aspirations but also for establishing momentum and confidence as they move forward.
Alonso's focus remains on giving his best for the team he has called home for his entire major league career. "I love it here," he reiterated, emphasizing his strong bond with the Mets and their fans. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on the Mets and their star first baseman, hoping for a strong finish that could extend their season—and Alonso's time in New York—just a bit longer.