The Mets are at a critical point in their franchise, and it’s not just because 2023 turned out to be a bust compared to expectations. How they handle the fate of All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso will define the Mets moving forward. He is a player who helped revitalize a team often at the butt of jokes with a rookie-breaking 53-home run milestone season.

He’s always given his all, putting his body on the line to win games that most likely didn’t matter. Pete still played them like they were in Game 7. If the Mets extend him, he will likely shatter most club position-player records. If they don’t, the Mets might just make their biggest mistake since Tom Seaver departed in the “The Midnight Massacre” to Cincinnati.

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THE FRANCHISE

First and foremost, let’s decipher what a toll a departure like Pete’s might take on this franchise. Ever since David Wright was forced into early retirement due to injury, there hasn’t been as memorable a name or face to represent the Mets as Alonso. Whenever people think of the Mets these days, the right-handed slugger’s name is who comes to mind. He’s shattered records, both in the franchise and MLB, most notably trailing Ryan Howard in quickest to 100 home runs with only needing 347 games.

As things stand now, Pete is on track to be one of the all-time great Mets, up there with Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and Keith Hernandez, but he has the opportunity to do so in blue and orange for life.

THE PLAYERS

Pete’s departure would speak volumes to the players. It might signal 2024 as a wash and the name of the game is cashing in on a player’s value for top-tier prospects. But his extension would speak magnitudes. Contrary to reports about Alonso being a “toxic” player, FOX Sports’ Deesha Thosar notes players plan to band together and approach the front office to make sure Pete stays.

Alonso is a leader on the field and in the clubhouse and will continue to do so for the next generation.

THE FANS

The impact of not extending Pete on the fanbase would be detrimental. As one of the last homegrown players remaining on the team with a track record like Pete’s, not resigning him would essentially be a slap in the face to the fans.

One of the easiest guys to root for no matter what, Alonso is proud to wear the Mets jersey, always takes accountability no matter what, and is one of the most vocal supporters of playing in a big city today. He’s embraced the fanbase like no other and the fans have returned the favor. Hence the immense uproar when reports came out about a near trade to the Milwaukee Brewers before the August 1 deadline.

I firmly believe this fanbase would have a hard time trusting another ownership if Alonso were traded this offseason, let alone not even extended. Not only has he made a lasting impact in Queens in his tenure so far, but fans are salivating to see what else he can accomplish.

THE COMMUNITY

Since making his debut in New York, Pete has made it his mission to bring the same effort he takes to the field to the community.  In 2020, he and his wife Haley founded The Alonso Foundation, which promotes youth programs, supports animal welfare, and aids veterans. In his rookie season, he went around MLB officials after they blocked his first attempt at wearing custom caps to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. Instead, he custom-ordered cleats for each of his teammates with designs meant to honor first responders.

Simply put, Pete has made it clear how much he loves playing in New York and how it feels like home. He’s gone the extra mile to prove how important the community is to him and how honored he is to represent the city of New York.