John Flanigan/MMO
Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com reports that Pete Alonso has made the Mets Opening Day roster, meaning he will most likely start tomorrow against Max Scherzer and be the team’s starting first baseman in 2019.
Alonso, 24, came into Spring Training with a chance to make the team, given that Brodie Van Wagenen said he would take the “best 25,” regardless of service time considerations.
The first baseman performed admirably as he hit .352/.387/.620 with five doubles, four home runs, and 11 RBI in 71 at-bats. He also showed significant improvement defensively, which was the team’s main concern about him.
Had the Mets decided to send Alonso down until the middle of April, the team would have received an extra year of control for him. However, they are not the only team that is avoiding service time manipulation in favor of contention, as the San Diego Padres top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. made their Opening Day roster.
It remains to be seen if Dominic Smith, who also had a very strong Spring Training, has made the team also. Given that he spoke to the press yesterday in Syracuse and participated in drills, he likely has made it as well.
