This story was originally published by Dead Spin
Expressing his love for the city of New York, the Mets and their fans, slugger Pete Alonso — an impending free agent — wants to remain with the team as the July 30 trade deadline approaches.
“I’m super happy to be a Met, super proud to be a Met,” the four-time All-Star said on Monday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, before he was eliminated in the first round of his fifth Home Run Derby. “And, again, it’s just been awesome. I’d love to stay, and I don’t want to get traded. I love it. It’s home.”
Whether the resurgent Mets are buyers or sellers at the deadline — and whether Alonso will be traded — will likely depend on how they play after the All-Star break. New York holds the third and final wild-card spot in the National League, posting a 25-11 record since June 3.
Alonso, 29, has been a huge factor during the Mets’ turnaround, recording 34 hits, six homers, 20 runs and 21 RBIs in that stretch. For the season, Alonso has hit .240 with 51 RBIs and a team-leading 19 homers in 95 games.
“Right now there’s a lot that could happen (before the trade deadline) and whatever the front office and ownership decides to do, that’s their prerogative,” said Alonso, the lone Mets All-Star. “But, for me, my job is to do whatever I can to help win ballgames every single day.”
The Mets did address a need last week, acquiring veteran right-hander Phil Maton from the Tampa Bay Rays to upgrade their bullpen.
A fan favorite, Alonso was the Mets’ second-round draft pick in 2016. He debuted in the majors three years later, hitting 53 homers, making the All-Star team, winning the Home Run Derby and being named NL Rookie of the Year.
In six seasons with New York, Alonso has hit .250 with 211 homers and 549 RBIs over 779 games.
“I love this organization,” he said. “I love this city so I just want to do the best I can every single night for the guys in the clubhouse and fans.”
–Field Level Media
