Pete Alonso, an All-Star for the fourth time in his career, now heads to Texas looking to become just the second player in history to win the Home Run Derby for the third time.
Alonso, who hit his team-high 19th home run of the season against the Rockies on Sunday in an 8-5 loss to the Mets to claim the home run title, won the home run title race in 2019 and 2021 but didn’t win the intervening years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the award’s inception in 1984, only Ken Griffey Jr. has won the trophy three times (1994, 1998 and 1999).
“I never get tired of going, it’s just as exciting and it’s really special for me,” said Alonso, who also competed in 2022 and 2023 but narrowly lost out both times. “I’m really happy to be taking part in the Derby again, representing this team and this organization, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Every year I participate it’s like a childhood dream coming true. I’m really looking forward to competing.”
No other Mets players were selected for the National League roster, but teammate Jose Iglesias is scheduled to perform his hit song “OMG” at Monday’s celebration.
“I’m always happy when I hear the song ‘Oh My God,’ because it always hits a lot of home runs,” Alonso said. “So I’m excited for him to perform it. It’s great for him. I’m really excited to have him there.”
Carlos Mendoza explained that Starling Marte’s recovery from a right knee contusion that has sidelined him since June 22 is “still slow.”
“The scans are showing improvement and he’s recovering, but I think the pace is a little slow,” Mendoza said. “We don’t know when he’ll be back, but we just want to make sure he’s pain-free doing all the activities that he’s doing.”
Mendoza said reliever Sean Reid-Foley (shoulder) will pitch in the bullpen on Saturday, is scheduled to pitch again Tuesday in Florida and could face batters in batting practice on Friday.
The Mets optioned relief pitcher Eric Ause to Triple-A Syracuse and reinstated David Peterson from the paternity list.
