New York Mets Legend Issues Warning To Pete Alonso Ahead Of Free Agency
This New York Mets legend has a message for superstar first baseman Pete Alonso, who is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season if he and the team fail to reach an extension.
“I think the relationship with him and the organization is quite different,” Mets Hall of Fame outfielder Darryl Strawberry said on zoom call on Wednesday. “I didn’t have one when I hit the free agency market when I was in my last season in 1990. They left the door open for me and I ended up leaving. I just hope he doesn’t leave because I ended up personally with a belly full of regrets. There’s nothing like playing in New York.”
Strawberry starred for the Mets from 1983-1990, helping them win the 1986 World Series and making seven consecutive All-Star teams. But due to a poor relationship with the front office, Strawberry left for the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency in 1991, which is his biggest regret.
Strawberry is scheduled to have his No. 18 retired by the Mets this season on Saturday, June 1.
Alonso, like Strawberry, is already one of the best offensive players in Mets history. Since entering the league in 2019, Alonso's 192 home runs are the most in baseball and he is gaining on Strawberry's franchise record of 252 homers.
“I just hope that he reaches a point and they reach a point as an organization where they come together and keep him there,” Strawberry said. “Let him be the player that he has been. Let him break all the records. Records are meant to be broken. That’s not important. Some guys sit here and don’t want guys to break their record. I hope players break my records. That means I’ve done something and you’ve done something too.”
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns can still extend Alonso before the 2024 season, but talks have not begun as of this date. If a deal isn't completed, Alonso will become a free agent next offseason and the Mets will have to compete with 29 other teams in order to retain their franchise cornerstone star.
In the very least, Strawberry is hoping Alonso stays put, and is warning him to not make the same mistake that he did 33 years ago when he chose to leave Queens.
