Introduction to Pete Alonso’s Return
The Homecoming
QUEENS, NY — After the winter of discontent that was Pete Alonso’s foray into free agency, spring is proving to be far more fruitful.
The slugging first baseman was greeted with a hero’s welcome from fans at Citi Field during the New York Mets’ home opener on Friday — his first time back in his long-time home since an offseason that legitimately threatened to end his time in Queens.
“This is home for him,” star shortstop Francisco Lindor said. “This is home.”
The First Game Back
A Storybook Start
In his first at-bat with one out in the bottom of the first, Alonso punched his third home run in four games the other way over the right-field fence, a two-run shot, to jumpstart the Mets in their 5-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
An appreciative crowd, whose stance on the Polar Bear’s return remained unwavering, then implored for a curtain call, to which Alonso complied.
Apr 4, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“It was sick,” Alonso said. “That type of stuff is what you dream about as a kid, and to have that type of support being reciprocated, it’s really special. I enjoyed every second of it… It was very, very special. Very picturesque, very storybook-like.”
The Impact of Alonso’s Return
Restoring Good Vibes
While this is not the ending of the story, the temporary resolution that came in the form of a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out after this season has restored the good vibes in the Mets’ clubhouse.
Alonso is at the heart of one of the more imposing lineups in all of baseball batting behind Lindor and Juan Soto — the latter picking up a run-scoring double in the win on Friday for his first Citi Field hit and RBI.
The early returns could not be much better. After having a career-worst season (34 home runs, .788 OPS), Alonso has 10 RBI to go with those three round-trippers, and a 1.183 OPS in his first seven games of the season.
The Road to Resolution
A Long and Winding Road
“That’s why they call him the Polar Bear,” Soto said. “He has tremendous power.”
And to think, there was a legitimate possibility that Alonso’s days as a Met were numbered. “Exhausting” negotiations, as owner Steve Cohen put it, left the club in a stalemate with Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, while other teams like the Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox lurked.
In January, reports emerged that the Mets were preparing to move on from the 30-year-old, who is now just 24 dingers from breaking the franchise’s all-time home-run record.
“I didn’t want to imagine it,” Alonso’s long-time teammate and left fielder, Brandon Nimmo, said. “But there was a time this offseason where things were getting pretty sticky there at the end. We were definitely worried, but I’m glad we don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
Conclusion
The return of Pete Alonso to the Mets has been a storybook start, with the first baseman hitting a home run in his first game back at Citi Field. The good vibes are back in the clubhouse, and the team is looking forward to a successful season. Alonso’s decision to return to the Mets was based on his desire to win and his love for the team and the city. With his impressive start to the season, Alonso is on pace for a monstrous campaign.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What was the outcome of Pete Alonso’s first game back at Citi Field?
A: Pete Alonso hit a two-run home run in his first at-bat and the Mets won 5-0 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Q: What was the reaction of the crowd to Alonso’s return?
A: The crowd gave Alonso a hero’s welcome and implored for a curtain call after his home run.
Q: What is Alonso’s current contract with the Mets?
A: Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out after this season.
Q: How has Alonso performed so far this season?
A: Alonso has 10 RBI, three home runs, and a 1.183 OPS in his first seven games of the season.
