First in a sequence analyzing the New York Mets
In a recreation of choosing a place at which the Mets are probably set for the following decade, first base might be the most secure guess.
Pete Alonso obliterated the franchise’s single-season file for homers final yr on his approach to eclipsing Aaron Choose’s MLB rookie mark. The 25-year-old Alonso, who completed with 53 homers, has quick turn out to be a New York movie star, however the strain of making an attempt to orchestrate an encore efficiency can be there when and if the baseball season begins.
The Yankees are nonetheless ready for such a growth from Choose, whose final two seasons have been derailed by accidents. Choose was set to start this season on the injured record, after sustaining a damaged rib and collapsed lung earlier than the sport’s shutdown for the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s a reminder that luck, as a lot as expertise, is critical in sustaining excellence.
Alonso’s .941 OPS in opposition to left-handed pitching final season was spectacular. Extra spectacular was his .941 OPS in opposition to right-handed pitching in establishing himself as a constant power. Right here’s one other one: Alonso hit 27 homers at Citi Subject final season. On the street he hit 26 homers.
The anticipated horror present at first base — given Alonso’s repute as a poor fielder — by no means surfaced. Alonso was removed from a standout on the place, however hardly embarrassed himself and continues to attempt for enchancment.
Upon arriving to spring coaching, Alonso introduced he was looking for a Gold Glove award this season. The one different Mets first baseman with such {hardware} is Keith Hernandez, who received six straight Gold Gloves for the Mets starting in 1983.
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“I wish to be as fine-tuned as [Hernandez] was when he was within the recreation,” Alonso advised The Submit in February. “There’s quite a lot of duties on that facet of the diamond, and final yr I really feel like I did a superb job of studying on the big-league degree and now I wish to be nice.”
Hernandez is a believer.
“If anyone can do it, Pete can,” he mentioned. “He’s very devoted at his occupation and is a sincerely laborious employee. He’ll put the time in to enhance this facet of his recreation.”
Alonso’s different daring proclamation from the spring was he desires to be “celebrating on a parade float, drunk as hell,” after the season. Such bravado has endeared him to Mets followers, appreciative of not solely an All-Star performer, however a participant hungry to deliver a World Collection title to Queens.
Already, there are hints that Alonso can take the baton from David Wright and turn out to be the following Mets captain. It would behoove the Mets to comply with the course they took with Wright early in his profession and after this season (if one is performed) and purchase out Alonso’s arbitration eligibility, extending his contract by way of the primary two or three years he would obtain on a free-agent deal. From a crew perspective, such a transfer is much less dangerous on a place participant than a pitcher, however Alonso should first show final yr wasn’t a fluke.
Alonso doesn’t must hit 50-plus homers over a full season to show he’s worthy. Continued enchancment in making contact and fielding his place can compensate for any anticipated drop-off in homers.
A decade from now, it’s unlikely any of the present Mets with main league expertise will nonetheless be enjoying for the membership. Amed Rosario has an opportunity, however the cash is most on Alonso.
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