Former Mets GM Makes a Compelling Case for Moving on from Pete Alonso
For long-time New York Mets fans, the hope of securing first baseman Pete Alonso with a long-term deal is a cherished dream. However, a former general manager of the team argues that moving on from Alonso might be the wisest decision for the franchise’s future.
As the Mets surge forward, winning 11 of their last 14 games, they have become one of the hottest teams in baseball. This impressive streak has reignited hopes among fans that the team could contend for a Wild Card spot in 2024. It has also led to speculation that the Mets might avoid being sellers before the July 30 MLB trade deadline, contrary to earlier assumptions.
This potential shift would surely comfort fans who dread the rumors of trading homegrown slugger Pete Alonso. Nonetheless, former Mets GM Steve Phillips contends that whether Alonso is traded this summer or allowed to walk in free agency after the season, it would ultimately benefit the franchise in the long run.
“I think he’s going to get a big contract,” Phillips said on “MLB Now” this week. “Somebody’s going to pay him … but here’s the issue with these first basemen: They’re big guys, slow guys, one position on the field, and they’re [just] bats to be productive.”
Phillips pointed out the decline in performance among similar hitters: “You look at some of the hitters; Paul Goldschmidt has declined significantly hitting the fastball 95 and above. Any pitch 95 and above. Alonso, every year since his first year, has gone down. He’s hitting .196 this year on pitches 95 and above,” he added. “… That’s where the aging player goes.”
“I’m worried about Alonso. I’m OK for the next 3-4 years, but I’m not in at 34, 35, 36 years old.”
While Alonso, a three-time All-Star, has improved in some areas in 2023 compared to his career-worst numbers, his home run production has declined. He is on pace to hit fewer than 40 homers for the first time since 2021, underscoring Phillips’ concerns about his long-term viability.
In essence, while the emotional attachment to Pete Alonso is strong, the pragmatic approach suggested by Phillips could pave the way for a more sustainable future for the Mets.
