Expressing his love for New York City, the Mets and their fans, slugger Pete Alonso — who is an impending free agent — wants to remain with the team even as the July 30 trade deadline approaches.
“I'm very happy to be a Met, very proud to be a Met,” the four-time All-Star said before being eliminated in the first round of his fifth Home Run Derby on Monday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. “And, again, it's been great. I would love to stay here, and I don't want to be traded. I love it. This is my home.”
Whether the resurgent Mets will be buyers or sellers at the deadline — and whether Alonso will be traded — will likely depend on how they play after the All-Star break. New York is in the third and final wild-card spot in the National League, posting a 25-11 record through June 3.
Alonso, 29, has played a key role in the Mets' turnaround, recording 34 hits, six homers, 20 runs and 21 RBIs during that span. This season, Alonso is hitting .240 with 51 RBIs and a team-high 19 homers in 95 games.
“A lot can happen right now (before the trade deadline) and whatever the front office and the owners decide is their prerogative,” said Alonso, the Mets’ only All-Star player. “But, for me, my job is to do whatever I can every day to help us win ballgames.”
The Mets added veteran right-hander Phil Maton from the Tampa Bay Rays last week to upgrade their bullpen, filling a need.
A fan favorite, Alonso was the Mets' second-round draft pick in 2016. He debuted in the majors three years later, hit 53 homers, made the All-Star team, won the Home Run Derby and was named NL Rookie of the Year.
In six seasons with New York, Alonso has a .250 average with 211 homers and 549 RBIs in 779 games.
“I love this organization,” he said. “I love this city, so I want to be at my best every night for the clubhouse and the fans.”
–Field Level Media
