'The Polar Bear' Pete Alonso, while divisive on social media, is one of the most popular New York Mets. However, he's batting just .203 this season. What should the Mets do with him, long-term?
Pete Alonso gets roasted on social media for his 'cringe' Home Run Derby antics and 'Throw it again!' kiss of death, but those running insults had generally been limited to his off-field behavior. Now unfortunately, with Alonso hitting just .203 on the season, the attacks are extending to his on-field performance.
Should the Mets organization be worried? Is this just a down year? What should owner Steve Cohen and GM Billy Eppler do with Alonso, going forward?
The positive side: Pete Alonso is one of the most productive Mets of all time
Currently 28 years of age, Alonso is already fifth all-time in Met homers, ahead of big organizational names like Dave Kingman, Carlos Beltran, Edgardo Alfonzo and Carlos Delgado.
Per year, Alonso is (already) arguably the greatest power hitter in the history of the Mets franchise. He's second in slugging, fourth in OPS and 12th in RBI, despite being shy of 30 years old.
Earlier this season, when he was smokin' hot at the plate, many considered Alonso to be a serious National League MVP candidate.
But then Atlanta Braves' veteran Charlie Morton drilled him on the wrist with a heater, sending Alonso to the IL. He simply hasn't been the same player since.
Is his dramatic drop in production a result of the hit-by-pitch? Is this a short-term injury? Long-term? When will Alonso be 'himself' again, if ever?
So many questions for the Mets organization to answer. But how many of the answers are clear?
The negative side: Is it worth signing a 28-year-old first baseman long-term?
Savvy baseball observers know that first base isn't a high-value position. For non-pitchers, more value is placed on athletic positions like shortstop and center field.
Furthermore, we've seen megadeals for stars like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera become immovable burdens for their respective franchises.
So is it even worth it for the Mets to sign Pete Alonso to a monstrous long-term deal?
Well, for one, owner Steve Cohen seems to like to play to the fans. Mets fans would not be happy if Alonso ended up elsewhere, long-term. You can be sure that Cohen and Eppler will consider this angle when evaluating a potential long-term deal.
Plus, 40-homer power hitters don't exactly grow on trees. Alonso remains a rare bird, in that regard.
So what should the Mets do, ultimately?
Personally, I think the Mets are pretty stuck here. I think they are going to have to shell out the big bucks for Alonso, and simply hope he returns to form. Of course, coaching and player development remain in the mix, regardless of the fact that Alonso is a veteran at 28.
Alonso might be on a downturn, but it should be fixable in theory.
In the end, the Mets will likely maintain their core of Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, while ultimately 'letting the kids play' in the form of Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio and Jett Williams down the line.
The future looks (somewhat) bright for the Mets, but one frightening question hangs over their heads: When will Pete Alonso break out of his worsening offensive slump?
John Frascella is a published baseball author who has been covering MLB for 19 years. Follow him on Twitter @LegendSports7 for all things Mets, MLB, NFL and NBA throughout the year.
