The 2019 arrival of Pete Alonso in Queens gave the city a barrel-chested slugger with a "Polar Bear" frame and a specialized power stroke that immediately rewrote the franchise’s offensive ceiling. From the moment he stepped into the box at Citi Field, he operated with a high-voltage efficiency that turned every at-bat into an event.
Alonso achieved rookie stardom, winning the National League Rookie of the Year. He displayed mastery of power hitting, leading MLB with 53 home runs, setting a rookie record, energizing fans, and earning All-MLB First Team honors. Despite some weaknesses, such as a high strikeout rate and limited defense, his power made him the undisputed "Face of the Franchise.”
Alonso maintained consistent, heavy-duty production over the years, reaching a historic summit in 2022 with 40 home runs and 131 RBI, proving his power was a key asset. He won back-to-back Home Run Derbys, cementing his status as a top power hitter. Even in 2023, when his batting average fell to .217, he hit 46 home runs and drove in 118 runs. By 2025, he surpassed Darryl Strawberry to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
Alonso became a free agent in 2026, and he opted to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. With the Mets, Alonso blasted 264 homers with 712 RBIs.
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