In the 2016 MLB draft, Pete Alonso was selected as the 64th overall pick, following 63 players, including 17 other college hitters, four from the University of Florida, and two future Mets teammates. By the time Alonso was chosen in the second round, Commissioner Rob Manfred had already left the stage, with former Mets relief pitcher and team captain John Franco announcing the pick. Despite being a relatively late pick, Alonso ended his junior season impressively at Gainesville, earning a modest signing bonus of about $1 million. Scouts recognized his raw power but questioned whether he could consistently hit enough to justify it.
Alonso dealt with several injuries in college but impressed scouts during the Cape Cod League after his sophomore year. Defensive concerns also lingered, and he was seen as somewhat of a risk given the poor track record of previous right-handed university first basemen. Early comparisons likened him to CJ Cron, a powerful hitter with some doubts about overall athleticism and offensive consistency.
Now a five-time All-Star, Alonso made Mets history on Tuesday by hitting a home run off Braves pitcher Spencer Strider, marking his 253rd career homer and surpassing Daryl Strawberry as the franchise’s all-time leader. Joining the ranks of active players like Manny Machado and Mike Trout who hold franchise home run records, Alonso’s feat electrified the Citi Field crowd. The Mets won the game 13-5, a much-needed morale boost given their struggles in August, with Alonso contributing six home runs this month alone.
His record-breaking achievement wasn’t guaranteed. During last winter’s free agency, there was uncertainty whether the Mets would retain him, especially after signing star outfielder Juan Soto to a major contract. Although Alonso eventually re-signed on a two-year deal with an opt-out clause, it was seen as a temporary measure. Still, the reunion allowed fans and Alonso himself to celebrate his rightful place in Mets history.
Alonso’s 254 home runs, while a Mets franchise record, remain the third lowest total across MLB teams, reflecting the Mets’ history of talented hitters often lost to injuries or trades, like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Howard Johnson, and Mike Piazza. With Alonso likely testing free agency again this winter, interest from other teams will probably be high, leaving his future in New York uncertain. Nevertheless, Alonso’s journey from a late second-round pick to the Mets’ home run king has cemented him as one of the game’s premier sluggers and a notable figure in baseball.
Fan Take: Pete Alonso’s rise from a mid-round draft pick to franchise home run leader is a testament to perseverance and talent, reminding fans that stars can emerge from unexpected places. His continued success not only energizes Mets fans but also adds excitement to baseball’s slugging legacy, influencing how teams value power hitters in the modern game.
