Mets legend David Wright gave some advice to free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, who has spent his entire career with the Mets.
“It’s a different feeling when you’re drafted, developed and playing for the team that gave you your first opportunity,” Wright said at 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 it. That being said, I have never, ever blamed a player for maximizing his potential. of income.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 2 of the NLDS of the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. (Kyle Ross/Image Images)
Wright would know what it means to spend his entire career with one team. The seven-time All-Star was with the Mets from 2004 to 2018.
The team just announced that they will retire Wright’s No. 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 2019 National League Rookie of the Year and is a four-time All-Star and two-time home run derby champion.
FORMER ORIOLES PITCHER BRIAN MATUSZ DEATH AT AGE 37
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/Staff 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 in his career, including playing every game last season.
Alonso hit .240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs for the Mets last season, and hit .273 with four home runs in 13 playoff games.
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 5 of the National League Championship Series of the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. (Brad Penner/Image Images)
The first baseman market has dwindled after many teams made moves to fill the position.
The Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt, the Houston Astros signed Christian Walker, the Washington Nationals acquired Nathaniel Lowe, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Josh Naylor and the Cleveland Guardians signed Carlos Santana.
Should Alonso and the Mets reunite, the first baseman is just 26 home runs away from surpassing Darryl Strawberry and becoming the franchise’s leader in home runs.
