By Lindsay Moran

As Pete Alonso is relishing in a breakout rookie season, Mickey Callaway sees captain potential for Alonso down the line as a Met.

“Captain is a special thing, a very rare thing, and he definitely has all the attributes,” said Callaway in a press conference on Tuesday. “If anybody could fill that role, Pete Alonso could.”

The NL Rookie of the Year contender’s impressive, stand-out attitude has not gone unnoticed this season, and Callaway believes his demeanor has positioned him well to fulfill a captain role. He even compared the rookie to former Mets’ captain David Wright, whose career came to a premature close in 2018 after battling spinal stenosis.

Along with serving as the team’s captain, Wright also made a name for himself as holding the Mets’ all-time record in hits, doubles, walks, runs scored, and RBIs

“He’s the David Wright in this organization. There’s no doubt in my mind,” said Callaway of Alonso.

Aside from his impressive accomplishments on the season – like his Home Run Derby win, breaking the Mets’ single-season home run record, and becoming the first rookie to hit 30 doubles and 50 home runs in a season – Alonso has a special way about him that embodies what it means to be a leader.

Alonso is often seen supporting his teammates and boosting morale on and off the field, as well as supporting and recognizing causes he believes in. To name a few, he donated a share of his Home Run Derby winnings to the Wounded Warrior Project and Tunnel To Towers and ordered custom-made cleats for his teammates in honor of those who died on September 11.

Callaway said it takes time to grow into the captain role, and it is unlikely we will see Alonso assume the position for a few years in the big leagues. Although it may be too soon to tell, ‘Polar Bear’ Pete has sure made his mark in his first major league season, and time will tell what’s in store for him as he continues his career.

For the time being, Callaway thinks Alonso has a real shot at being crowned MVP for the 2019 season.

“We could have an MVP, a Rookie of the Year, and a Cy Young winner, and that’s pretty cool. I think that Pete is getting pretty close, and if he gets there, they have to consider him for MVP,” said Callaway.