Pete Alonso, 1B
Player Data: Age 24, B/T R/R
Primary Stats: 161 G, 693 PA, 53 HR, 120 RBI, 72 BB , 183 SO, .260 BA, .358 OBP, .583 SLG
Advanced Stats: .280 BABIP, .384 wOBA, 143 wRC+, 148 OPS+, 4.8 rWAR, -6 DRS, 1.8 UZR
Free Agent: 2025
2019 Salary: 555k
Grade: A+
2019 Review
Where to start, other than what a truly remarkable rookie season for Pete Alonso, lovingly claimed by the Flushing faithful as “Polar Bear”. This loveable first baseman, went from battling for a roster spot in Spring Training to becoming the very heartbeat of the 2019 New York Mets.
This 2016 2nd round draft pick from the University of Florida, exceeded every Mets fans wildest dreams in 2019. Alonso wowed the entire landscape of major league baseball with what seems like an endless list of accolades: NL Rookie of the Year, HR Derby Champion, NL Rookie of the Month 3x (April, June and September), Sporting News NL Rookie of the Year, MLBPA NL Rookie of the Year, Baseball Digest Rookie of the Year and last but not least the All-time Rookie HR crown. Pretty good for a guy who was in a position battle heading into Opening Day right?
Alonso had been showing flashes of his monstrous power in the Mets farm system, where in Triple-A last season he had 21HR. The Mets saw this potential and decided why wait on this young power hitter, and boy did they hit the jackpot.
This power did not subside when Alonso looked like a season veteran at the major league level as he hit, .260/.358/.583 with a league leading 53 homers and an eye popping 120 RBI. Pete’s ability to not only jolt the Mets offense with the long ball, but also still reaching base at a fairly high average is something the Mets surely can hope to rely on for years to come.
Although the Polar Bear’s game to game accolades were beyond admirable, nothing quite displayed his raw power better than his 2019 HR Derby performance. This display of sheer power was a site for the eyes to behold, as Alonso launched ball after ball out of pitcher friendly Progressive Field, making it look like your average little league field.
Along with Alonso’s monster season at the dish, Pete also exceeded expectations over at first base. Coming into the season, Alonso was known for two things, his offensive power and his shaky defense. Much like most things in 2019, Alonso rapidly erased most peoples doubts. In 156 games played at first, 152 of which were starts, Alonso managed to only make 12 errors while also posting a 1.8 UZR. Even by the old school eye test, the Polar Bear managed to plunge for groundball after groundball in the hole making some fantastic diving plays, while also demonstrating the ability to scoop and have excellent footwork around the bag.
The one stat that is truly the most impressive, is Alonso’s availability. Alonso managed to play in all but, one game playing in 161 games. That is a trend that the Mets most certainly continues over the rest of his career.
2019 Key Moment
With such a special season, it is hard to single out one specific key moment for the Mets rookie phenom. But if there is one moment that encapsulated such a stellar season it was when the Polar Bear launched the homer that broke the rookie single season home run record. Alonso, already a fan favorite in just one season, endeared himself eternally with the Mets faithful with this record setting blast. With a 2-0 lead on the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the third inning with two outs, the rookie stepped to the plate. Citi Field was buzzed with anticipation. They knew their beloved Polar Bear needed one more artic blast to surpass crosstown rival Aaron Judge‘s previously set record (only making it that much sweeter). With a 2-1 count Alonso took a mammoth swing and the rest is history…
2020 Outlook
The sky is truly the limit for Pete Alonso, but with great play comes great expectations. Although most players seem to shy away from the pressure, Alonso seems to relish in the spotlight. From winning the HR Derby to countless walk-off and big hits the Polar Bear always seemed to play his best when the lights shined their brightest.
Beyond his stats, Alonso is truly the heart and soul of the Mets. Even as 24 year-old rookie, Pete could be found at his locker answering endless questions. Win or loss, he took true responsibility and accountability for his teammates and himself. This alone shows more than just a true on the field star, but an off the field one as well. Alonso truly highlighted this when he saluted those who sacrificed their lives on September 11th wearing custom cleats and buying NYPD and FDNY hats for all of his teammates to sport. In every way possible on and off the field, Alonso has wowed and amazed. Mets fans should be excited to see this rookie phenom blossom into a perennial All-Star in the years to come.
