Strawberry Reflects on Alonso’s Departure from Mets

PORT ST. LUCIE — Darryl Strawberry is puzzled about why Pete Alonso, who recently set the Mets’ all-time home run record, decided to leave New York for Baltimore.

Strawberry believes that Alonso might “regret” his decision to move on from the Mets. “I was really shocked that Pete was leaving New York for Baltimore,” he remarked during the team’s spring training on Monday. He added, “Pete could have shattered every record and topped every offensive category in this organization. Sometimes, I think he doesn’t grasp how pivotal that is. One day, he might look back and wish he had stayed put.”

Alonso, who inked a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles, should have thought twice about opting out of his previous contract after last season, Strawberry suggested. Had he not opted out, he would have received $24 million this season with the Mets.

After opting out, Alonso didn’t receive any offers from the Mets. Team officials had anticipated his return after he explored the market, but the duration of the contract from the Orioles ultimately made it irrelevant.

Reflecting on Alonso’s situation, Strawberry said, “The biggest mistake I saw was him sitting out after the loss in Miami.” He mused that if Alonso had perhaps waited to negotiate a four-year contract, they might have found a way to keep him.

When asked if the Mets could have done more to retain Alonso, Strawberry replied, “I think it’s a mix of things. We both could have put in more effort in that scenario.”

Alonso recently broke Strawberry’s long-standing franchise record of 252 home runs. Strawberry acknowledged Alonso’s hard work and accomplishments, stating, “He’s earned all respect for what he’s achieved.” Yet he expressed his unwavering loyalty to New York, saying, “I’m not leaving New York to go to Baltimore. Don’t get me wrong, Baltimore has its charms, but it’s not New York.”