"Pete Alonso had no idea who Harmon Killebrew was" - Mets legend claims "the Killer" was unknown to 4x All-Star first baseman despite comparisons

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is considered to be one of the best power hitters of his generation in the MLB. Yet, Mets legend Keith Hernandez revealed that the four-time All-Star didn't have an inkling about Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. Hernandez said that he had to explain to Alonso that Killebrew was one of the greatest sluggers in the history of the game.

Nicknamed 'the Killer,' Harmon Killebrew made his major league debut with the Washington Senators in 1954 before the franchise became known as the Minnesota Twins.

He's one of the most prolific power hitters, recording at least 40 home runs in eight of his 22 MLB seasons. Killebrew retired with 573 career home runs, which was the fifth highest at the time.

Keith Hernandez explained how he introduced 'the Killer' to Pete Alonso, on the Nothing Personal with David Samson podcast. (18:01 - 20:45)

"I always said that Pete Alonso was the closest thing to Harmon Killebrew," he said. "I mentioned it to Pete on the bus on the way one time to a ballpark on the road. He had no idea who Harmon Killebrew was. I go, 'Give me your phone number, and I'll text you.' I went on baseball-reference, and I texted him.

"He came up to me and said, 'Holy cow! He's pretty good.' And I said, 'Yeah, pretty good.'

Hernandez played seven seasons for the Mets over his 17-year major league career and won the World Series in 1986. He's also a color commentator for the Mets television broadcast on SNY.

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Pete Alonso faces uncertain future

Pete Alonso holds the MLB record for the most home runs in a rookie season (Image Source: Imagn)

Pete Alonso made his debut with the New York Mets in 2019 before winning the National League Rookie of the Year. He hit 53 home runs that year to set a rookie record in the MLB as he established himself as one of the best sluggers in the game.

Alonso headed for free agency after declining a seven-year, $158 million contract extension from the Mets last year. He rejected the qualifying offer from the Mets after earning $20.5 million for the 2024 season to make himself available on the open market.

However, interest in the superstar first baseman has been quite lukewarm, even though the market for corner infielders was quite active over the past week. Alonso didn't have a vintage campaign in 2024, batting .240/.329/.459 during the regular season with a .788 OPS and 34 home runs.