Mets legend David Wright offered some advice to free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, who spent his entire career with the Mets.
“It’s a different feeling when you get drafted, developed and play for the team that gave you your first opportunity,” Wright said during a news conference Wednesday.
“There’s a little more – maybe a lot more – pride when you put that jersey on every night. And I hope he remembers that and doesn’t lose sight of that. That being said, I don’t I have never, ever blamed a player for maximizing their winning potential.
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New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS of the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
Wright would know what it means to spend his entire career on one team. The seven-time All-Star was with the Mets from 2004-2018.
The team just announced that they are retiring Wright’s number 5 jersey on July 19.
Alonso, 30, has been a constant presence in the middle of the Mets’ order since his debut.
Alonso was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2019 and is a four-time All-Star and two-time home run derby champion.
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New York Mets captain David Wright, right, greets Mets Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver after Seaver threw out the first pitch before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Citi Field on July 16, 2013. (Tyson Trish/Photographer)
Since Alonso’s debut, only New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has hit more home runs (232) than Alonso (226).
The star first baseman has also been durable during his career, including playing every game last season.
Alonso hit .240 while clubbing 34 homers with 88 RBIs for the Mets last season, and he hit .273 with four homers in 13 playoff games.
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLCS of the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
The market for first basemen has dwindled after many teams made moves to fill that spot.
The Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt, the Houston Astros signed Christian Walker, the Washington Nationals traded for Nathaniel Lowe, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded for Josh Naylor and the Cleveland Guardians signed Carlos Santana.
If Alonso and the Mets reunite, the first baseman is just 26 home runs away from passing Darryl Strawberry and becoming the franchise’s career home run leader.
