After a huge third season in MiLB, New York Mets first-base prospect Peter Alonso will move to the Arizona Fall League, an instructional league that would appear to be beneath the 23-year-old slugger’s development level.
In 128 games split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas this season, Alonso has slashed .278/.393/.561 with 33 homers, 113 RBI, and 29 doubles in 460 at-bats.
Alonso was promoted on June 15. After a hot-and-cold start to his Triple-A career, the young first-baseman hit his stride.
From July 19 through August 30, the Floridian hit .301/.386/.657 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI.
Despite this top-notch level of productivity, the Mets confirmed this week that they would not be calling Alonso up when rosters expand on Sept 1.
Alonso’s agents released a statement calling the team’s decision “disheartening” for all parties involved, which drew some backlash from fans and media, alike.
Peter Alonso spoke with Mike Puma of the New York Post about the situation and showed no resentment toward the organization that drafted him in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
“Before the statement came out I had a private conversation with Omar [Minaya] and they knew how I felt,” he said. “They knew I was disappointed, but the one thing I want to clear up is I kind of feel people are trying to create something between me and the Mets.”
Alonso quashed those concerns with one fell swoop.
“I bleed blue and orange.”
As for his unexpected assignment to the AFL, Alonso, again, said all of the right things.
“It’s motivation to go to the Fall League and just showcase more and showcase I can stay consistent, not just in the season, but after,” he said. “I can just continue to hit and spring training will be another opportunity to showcase myself.”
