Pete Alonso may have played his last game in Citi Field for the New York Mets, as he will turn free agent after this season after the Mets surprisingly didn't extend the first baseman.
The Mets played their last regular-season game of the season at home in Citi Field on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies, winning 2-1. When Alonso came out to at-bat in the bottom of the eighth inning, all of Citi Field was on their feet to show appreciation for his contribution since 2016 after he was drafted in the second round.
Alonso's wife, Haley, was emotional, as were fans in Citi Field. She shared a glimpse of what the first baseman meant to this fanbase while lauding her husband for garnering praise from the home crowd.
"Tears, Than You, New York," she wrote in her caption.
Mets skipper on Pete Alonso playing his final game in Citi Field: “It’s not going to be his last game here"
It was an ambiguous situation when Alonso took the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Initially, only a few select stands in the crowd rose up to honor Pete Alonso before his final at-bat in Mets Stadium, as his future remains up in the air. Only after a few minutes did the crowd realize that Alonso may not return, prompting everyone to stand up.
However, it may not be the final time Pete Alonso takes the field in front of the Mets crowd. The Mets are holding firmly on the final wildcard spot in the National League, fighting off the Atlanta Braves. This is the same sentiment expressed by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
“It’s not gonna be his last game here. We’re planning on playing more games here this year,” Mendoza said. "We’re not ready to call it. We expect to be back here to play more games this year.”
Pete Alonso is having another good year at the plate. His home run production is what delights the crowd. This season, Alonso has batted .245 along with 34 home runs and three stolen bases.
With the postseason left, the Mets may take a wait-and-watch approach before thinking of bringing him back.