By Field Level Media
Sep 14 (Field Level Media) - Pete Alonso said all the right things about his time with the New York Mets as he prepared for his first game at Citi Field as a member of the visiting team.
Alonso spoke to reporters Monday before the Baltimore Orioles opened a three- game set at the Mets, both praising his current club and expressing his thanks to his old organization.
"I spent a lot of time here, lived a lot of life," Alonso said, "and again, it's obviously exciting because of all
that time coming up in the Mets organization and still knowing a ton of people over on the other side. The coaches, players, cooks, training staff, you name it ... Still saying hello to all those familiar faces. It's really good to see all the people over there."
Alonso, 31, became the Mets' all-time home run leader (264) in his seven seasons with the club, but his time with the franchise did not end on the most amicable terms.
He reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension during the 2023 season and declined his qualifying offer when he became a free agent in 2024. Alonso agreed to a two-year deal with an opt-out after the 2025 season.
Alonso opted out of his contract to return to the free agent market last winter and signed a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore. Mets owner Steve Cohen, who's built a reputation as a big spender, drew criticism from fans for not being more aggressive in trying to retain Alonso.
"For me going through the free agent process," Alonso said Monday, "Baltimore started the dialogue super, super early, and really I didn't want to mess up a good thing because this organization has shown a lot of promise, we have a lot of young talent."
As for the Mets, he said, "I respect their decision and for me, like the guys running the team, it's their prerogative to do their best, do whatever they can, whatever they think is best."
Baltimore's push for the slugger is paying off. Alonso, who played all 162 games in each of the last two seasons, has appeared in all 150 so far this season. He's batted .269 with 35 home runs and an American League-high 100 RBIs.
And while the Orioles enter the week 72-78, in last place in the AL East and on the periphery of the wild-card chase, the Mets (69-80) could officially be eliminated from the National League postseason race while Alonso is in town.
"When the schedule came out, it's one of those days where I knew it was coming, but we've been playing a lot of important ball down the stretch," Alonso said. "I knew it was coming, but it definitely came quicker than expected."
When Alonso took batting practice at Citi Field, he was greeted by fans chanting his name. He also had a brief interaction with Cohen on the field.
"For me, I'm so stoked to be an Oriole and be a part of this organization," Alonso said. "I'm happy, family's happy, teammates are incredible, staff is incredible. I feel very, very fortunate to be here, and I also feel very fortunate to play all the years I have with the Mets.
"Two things can be true at the same time. I'm very happy and appreciative of my time that I spent as a Met, and I'm beyond grateful and appreciative for the Baltimore Orioles."
(--Field Level Media)
