Pete Alonso Reflects on Mets Exit and Emotional NYC Return After Move to Baltimore
Pete Alonso has returned to New York City for the first time since joining the Baltimore Orioles, marking a quiet and emotional moment for the longtime former New York Mets first baseman. His return comes after ending a long chapter with the Mets, the only MLB organization he had played for since being drafted in 2016.
During his visit, Alonso openly spoke about his departure from the team and revealed that there was no formal closing conversation with Mets leadership or ownership before his exit. He mentioned that while he did have some communication with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza in informal settings, no final discussion ever took place with senior decision-makers in the organization.
Alonso shared that his interaction with Mendoza happened casually when the manager visited a gym in Tampa, where Alonso and teammate Sean Manaea also train. However, he emphasized that beyond those brief exchanges, there was no official farewell or concluding meeting with the Mets’ front office or ownership group.
When asked about whether he found the lack of closure surprising, Alonso indicated that he was not particularly shocked. He suggested that as discussions and developments with Baltimore progressed, it became clear that his future was moving in a different direction, and the Mets appeared to accept that outcome.
Despite the way things ended, Alonso reflected positively on his long tenure in New York. He described his journey from playing with the Brooklyn Cyclones in the early stages of his career to becoming a key figure for the Mets in Major League Baseball. He also recalled personal memories tied to the city, including important family moments that took place during his years in New York.
Alonso also mentioned everyday life experiences in the region, including challenges such as heavy traffic across the New York metropolitan area, which he described as a memorable part of living and playing there.
On the team’s current situation, Alonso acknowledged the Mets’ difficult season, noting their struggles in the standings. However, he expressed confidence that the team has enough talent to recover. He referenced past experiences where the Mets overcame expectations and said that baseball seasons naturally include highs and lows, even if the current moment feels difficult for fans and players alike.
The Mets continue to work through a challenging stretch, but Alonso’s comments reflected a belief that the franchise still has the potential to improve as the season progresses.
His return to New York, even briefly, highlighted both the emotional ties players build with a city and the often business-driven nature of professional sports transitions, where clear endings are not always part of the process.
Sources:
- MLB official reporting standards and team historical context
