He’s baaaack!

Pete Alonso returns to Citi Field for the first time since signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles (72-78) this past offseason. The former Met is having a typically stellar year, hitting .269/.363/.499 with 35 homers, 100 RBIs, 89 runs and a 4.1 fWAR. He will undoubtedly accomplish a rare feat: a standing ovation from the Mets faithful for an opposing player.

The Mets (69-80) are coming off the Subway Series, where they lost two of three to the Yankees.

Let’s take a look at the three pitching matchups.

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

PITCHING MATCHUPS

Monday 9/14: Jonah Tong (2-1, 4.80 ERA) vs. Brandon Young (9-4, 3.71 ERA): While all eyes will be on Alonso’s return, Mets fans will also turn attention to Tong’s development tonight. The 23-year-old showed good stuff in his start last week in Miami, striking out seven over five innings to get the win despite giving up four earned runs. Brandon Young has been a pleasant surprise for the Orioles this year, but the righty is coming off a rough start against the Cleveland Guardians, giving up six runs over 3.2 innings.

Tuesday 9/15: Sean Manaea (5-7, 4.79 ERA) vs. Shane Baz (6-15, 4.05 ERA): Manaea’s roller-coaster season continues. The lefty has given up at least four runs in each of his last five starts, including his last one against the Marlins. But he has pitched five or more innings in each of his last nine starts, giving the Mets’ bullpen some rest. Baz has pitched better than his brutal record suggests. The righty has a 3.77 ERA and 1.22 WHIP since the All-Star break, but gave up five runs over 5.2 innings against the Guardians his last time.

Wednesday 9/16: Robert Stock (1-3, 5.93 ERA) vs. Chris Bassitt (7-5, 4.88 ERA): Alonso isn’t the only former Met returning, as Bassitt will take the mound against his former squad. The veteran righty has struggled this year over 16 starts, but he has enjoyed a decent September so far with a 4.22 ERA over 10.2 innings. Stock has been up and down all year as he looks to establish himself as a major leaguer. The righty allowed three runs over four innings against the Marlins last week.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

In a remarkable coincidence, both Alonso and Francisco Lindor enter the series with 299 home runs. Both would love to hit number 300 in front of their home and former home fans on their way to Cooperstown. In terms of reception, the Mets hope Citi Field is “electric” for Alonso’s return. Lindor went as far as to note, “It better be electric … I hope people go crazy for him. He deserves it.”

PREDICTION

The Mets take two of three against a struggling Orioles team, putting them farther back in the AL Wild Card race. Lindor beats Alonso to 300 with a homer on Monday night, but Alonso catches up with his own milestone bomb on Tuesday against Manaea.