With the All-Star Game in the rearview mirror and MLB teams preparing for the stretch run of the 2024 season, the possibility that All-Star Pete Alonso is playing out the end of his Mets career is coming into focus. Is it something that is weighing on the slugger’s mind?
Alonso previously discussed possibly building a legacy as an all-time Mets great, and he’ll begin the second half of this season trailing Darryl Strawberry (252) by 41 home runs for the franchise record in that category. However, Alonso remains on track to reach free agency this fall and was the subject of numerous trade rumors until the Mets enjoyed a resurgence en route to entering the All-Star break in possession of a National League wild-card spot.
Alonso insisted he doesn’t “want to get traded” with the Mets in contention for a postseason berth. There’s no indication that owner Steve Cohen will let president of baseball operations David Stearns make Alonso available to other clubs before the July 30 trade deadline unless the Mets suffer a brutal collapse over the next couple of weeks.
Scouts suggested that Alonso was “definitely pressing” throughout the opening half of the season for reasons related to his desire for a big payday. Assuming he stays put through the final Tuesday of July, he’ll have numerous opportunities to prove his long-term worth to the Mets.
Mets’ Pete Alonso makes trade-deadline wish clear
During his All-Star Game media availability on Monday, first baseman Pete Alonso made it clear he wants to remain with the New York Mets beyond the July 30 MLB trade deadline.
“I’d love to stay and I don’t want to get traded,” Alonso directly said, as shared by Alex Smith of SNY. “I love [New York]. It’s home.”
Alonso remains on track to reach free agency after the season and repeatedly was the subject of trade rumors as the Mets floundered in May. However, the Amazins entered the All-Star break at 49-46 on the campaign and in possession of a wild-card playoff berth.
