Pete Alonso received a warm standing ovation when he left the game for a pinch runner during the eighth inning on Sunday. However, after the Mets fell short, losing 3-2 to the Nationals, Alonso didn’t seem to interpret the audience’s applause as a farewell to his time with the team.
“We’ll see what happens, but I think the right thing will eventually unfold,” Alonso remarked.
This offseason, Alonso is expected to exercise his opt-out clause, making him a free agent. He rejoined the Mets last winter on a two-year deal worth $54 million, which includes this opt-out provision.
If the Mets manage to play another home game this season, they’ll need to clinch a postseason berth in the next six games and win the Wild Card Series before returning to Citi Field for Game 3 of the NLDS. That’s quite the challenge.
“This place holds a lot of meaning for me,” Alonso shared. “The fans are incredible—so passionate and totally committed to this team.”
There’s been a lot of talk about Alonso possibly having his final moments at Citi Field with the Mets before hitting free agency.
“If I had a nickel for every time this has been discussed in this room, I’d be really rich,” he joked.
Tyrone Taylor, meanwhile, excelled in his final minor league game with Triple-A Syracuse, going 5-1.
The outfielder, returning from a left hamstring injury, might be meeting up with the Mets in Chicago on Tuesday.
Kodai Senga is set to face live batters down in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on either Tuesday or Wednesday. He’s hoping to prove to team officials that he deserves consideration if the Mets reach the postseason.
Senga didn’t perform well during his last outing; this was his second start since being reassigned to the minor league to work on his mechanics.
The Mets’ relief pitchers combined for six scoreless innings in a recent game, racking up nine strikeouts.
This season has seen the Mets accomplish at least six innings without conceding a run from the bullpen. The high point was a 6¹/₃ shutout inning against the Braves on June 26th.
Overall, the Mets finished at home with a 49-32 record (.605), a performance that ties for the 12th best in franchise history.
