16 home runs in 21 games: Pete Alonso did something that only Jeff Kent and Anthony Rendon have ever achieved – What’s happening with the Mets?

Pete Alonso has always been known as one of the most powerful hitters in baseball, but his recent surge has elevated his name to historic company. In just 21 games, Alonso has hit 16 home runs, joining only Jeff Kent and Anthony Rendon as players in the modern era to achieve this rare power feat. As the New York Mets try to navigate a turbulent season, Alonso’s hot bat offers a bright spot—and perhaps a deeper reflection of the team’s state and future.

Pete Alonso’s Historic Power Surge

It’s not every day a player hits 16 home runs in 21 games, but that’s exactly what Alonso has accomplished. The feat isn’t just impressive—it’s historic. Only two other players in recent memory, Jeff Kent in 2002 and Anthony Rendon in 2019, have managed such a power-packed start within a 21-game stretch. Alonso’s torrid pace has him not just leading the league in homers, but making serious noise in MVP discussions.

What sets Alonso apart during this run isn’t just the volume of home runs, but the consistency and clutch timing. His long balls have come in key moments, including late-inning comebacks and go-ahead shots. He’s been a one-man wrecking crew for a Mets lineup that has often struggled to string together offense. As pitchers continue to adjust to his zone, Alonso has counter-adjusted by improving his pitch selection and shortening his swing in two-strike counts. The result? A slugging percentage over .800 and a sky-high OPS that has Mets fans and fantasy owners buzzing.

A Slugger Among Legends: Jeff Kent and Anthony Rendon

Alonso now shares elite company with Jeff Kent and Anthony Rendon, both known for their streaky but potent power surges. Kent’s 2002 run came during his MVP-caliber season with the San Francisco Giants, while Rendon’s 2019 surge helped catapult the Washington Nationals into postseason contention.

But Alonso’s case is arguably even more remarkable. While Kent and Rendon were part of teams already considered playoff threats, Alonso is doing this while the Mets are desperately trying to stay afloat in the National League. His offensive outburst has almost singlehandedly kept the Mets in several games, and his leadership in the clubhouse is becoming just as important as his production on the field.

More than just mimicking the numbers of Kent and Rendon, Alonso is reshaping the narrative around his career. No longer just the “Polar Bear” with prodigious power, he’s evolving into a more mature, clutch, and well-rounded offensive weapon.

Mets’ Struggles: Offense and Pitching in Disarray

Despite Alonso’s superhuman streak, the New York Mets continue to face significant issues. Offensively, the team has been wildly inconsistent. Outside of Alonso, very few hitters are contributing on a nightly basis. Francisco Lindor has been up and down, Brandon Nimmo is struggling to get on base, and the bottom of the order remains an offensive black hole.

On the mound, things haven’t been much better. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the Mets’ starting rotation. Kodai Senga and José Quintana have shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ve also suffered from short outings and lack of run support. The bullpen, meanwhile, has been unreliable in closing out tight games. This has placed a greater burden on Alonso to be a game-changer every time he steps to the plate.

Even with Alonso’s power surge, the Mets remain under .500 and on the outside looking in for postseason contention. The disconnect between his individual success and the team’s overall mediocrity raises important questions about roster construction, team chemistry, and leadership.

How Alonso Is Carrying the Mets Offensively

To understand the full impact of Pete Alonso’s recent stretch, it’s essential to look at his advanced metrics. During this 21-game explosion, Alonso has:

• Slugged .857

• Posted an OPS of 1.280

• Averaged a home run every 5.6 at-bats

• Logged multiple go-ahead RBIs

He’s not just hitting solo shots either. Alonso has racked up RBIs in clutch moments, often being the lone offensive force keeping the Mets competitive. His exit velocity and barrel rate are among the league’s best, reinforcing the idea that this is more than just a fluke.

Alonso’s consistency has also had a ripple effect in the lineup. Pitchers are being forced to pitch around him, creating more favorable situations for hitters behind him like Starling Marte and Mark Vientos. However, the Mets have yet to consistently capitalize on these opportunities, making Alonso’s contributions all the more vital.

Leadership and Mental Fortitude: The Intangibles Behind the Surge

One of the underappreciated aspects of Alonso’s recent performance is his leadership presence in the dugout and clubhouse. Despite the team’s struggles, Alonso has remained upbeat, focused, and committed to the team’s long-term goals. He’s taken on more of a mentor role with younger players and has become a vocal presence in team meetings and media appearances.

His mental toughness is another critical factor. Hitting at this level over an extended stretch requires not only physical skill but elite concentration and confidence. Alonso has credited his offseason preparation and a refined mental approach for his success. This includes working with hitting coaches to better understand pitch sequencing and relying on visualization techniques to stay locked in during games.

In a season full of uncertainty, Alonso has emerged as the emotional anchor for the Mets. His resilience has inspired teammates and drawn praise from coaches, who see him as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.

Can the Mets Turn It Around?

With Alonso playing at an MVP level, one might expect the Mets to be a serious playoff contender. But baseball is a team sport, and unless other players step up, Alonso’s heroics may go to waste. There are signs of life—Brett Baty is showing promise, and Francisco Alvarez continues to grow behind the plate—but consistency remains elusive.

The Mets’ front office will face pressure to make moves at the trade deadline. Whether that means adding another bat, acquiring bullpen help, or even exploring a shakeup in the rotation, something must change. The team cannot afford to squander Alonso’s historic form.

Manager Carlos Mendoza has stressed the need for urgency, noting that while Alonso is doing his part, the rest of the roster must find ways to contribute. If the team can string together a winning streak, they could easily climb the standings and re-enter the playoff conversation. But time is running out.

Pete Alonso’s Legacy: More Than Just Power

As Alonso continues his assault on opposing pitchers, it’s worth asking: what does this stretch mean for his legacy? Already a two-time All-Star and Home Run Derby champion, Alonso is crafting a resume that goes beyond flashy stats. He’s proving he can carry a team, perform in high-pressure situations, and grow into a leadership role.

If he maintains even a fraction of this production, Alonso could find himself in serious MVP consideration and, eventually, Hall of Fame discussions. More immediately, he’s making a case to be considered the greatest power hitter in Mets history—and perhaps one of the best in MLB over the last decade.

His unique blend of charisma, work ethic, and raw talent makes him a fan favorite and a marketing dream for the league. He’s not just chasing records; he’s redefining what it means to be a franchise player in today’s game.