Is Pete Alonso the Mets’ Greatest RBI Machine After Overtaking Howard Johnson?

Pete Alonso continues to build a legacy as one of the greatest sluggers in New York Mets history. On Sunday, the 30-year-old first baseman added another major milestone to his resume by surpassing Howard Johnson on the Mets’ all-time RBI list with a clutch three-run home run in a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

With the blast, Alonso now holds sole possession of fourth place in franchise history with 682 career RBIs, passing Mets legend Howard Johnson, who finished with 682 during his tenure in Queens. Only David Wright (970), Darryl Strawberry (733), and Mike Piazza (655) remain ahead of the man affectionately known as “The Polar Bear.”

“It’s Really Special”: Alonso Reflects on Another Milestone

After the game, Pete Alonso spoke with reporters about the milestone, offering a humble and grateful perspective:

“This franchise has been around for a long time. There’s been a ton of great players that have come through here, so it’s really special,” said Alonso.

Indeed, the Mets’ history includes Hall of Famers, franchise legends, and iconic moments. Yet in just over six seasons, Alonso has firmly etched his name alongside some of the best to ever wear the orange and blue.

Climbing the Ranks: Alonso Also Third in Home Runs

While RBIs have made headlines this week, Pete Alonso is climbing multiple franchise leaderboards. He now sits third in Mets history in home runs, with 238 career dingers—trailing only:

Darryl Strawberry (252)
David Wright (242)

At his current pace, Alonso is likely to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader by the end of the 2025 season. That milestone, once thought untouchable, is well within reach thanks to Alonso’s consistent and powerful production year after year.

The Iron Man: Availability and Reliability Define Alonso’s Value

In a sport where players often miss significant time due to injuries or slumps, Pete Alonso’s durability has become one of his most underrated qualities.

Since debuting in 2019, Alonso has played:

All 162 games in 2024
At least 150 games in every full 162-game season
57 of 60 games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season

That kind of availability and reliability has been a stabilizing force for the Mets, particularly during seasons of turmoil, rebuilds, or underperformance. Through roster changes and managerial turnover, Alonso has remained a consistent cornerstone in the heart of the lineup.

Power Production: A Modern Slugger Built for the Long Haul

Even during seasons where his batting average took a dip—like .217 in 2023 and .240 in 2024—Alonso never stopped producing runs. His slugging numbers, ability to hit with runners in scoring position, and clutch moments have kept him among the league’s elite.

Since 2019, excluding the 2020 season, Alonso has:

Hit 30 or more home runs every year
Recorded at least 85 RBIs every season
Maintained a career average of 40+ home runs per 162 games
Posted one of the highest HR-to-AB ratios in Mets history

Only Aaron Judge, with 253 home runs, has hit more than Alonso’s 238 since the start of the 2019 season—putting him in elite company among today’s power hitters.

2025 Season Outlook: Alonso’s Best Yet?

As of June 1, 2025, Pete Alonso is on pace for another dominant year. With:

12 home runs
46 RBIs

He’s on track to once again exceed 30 home runs and 100 RBIs, further reinforcing his reputation as one of baseball’s premier run producers.

But what’s even more notable in 2025 is his improved plate discipline. Analysts and coaches have pointed out that Alonso has:

Lowered his strikeout rate
Increased his walks per plate appearance
Improved his ability to hit breaking balls and off-speed pitches

This refined approach has allowed Alonso to remain productive even when opposing pitchers refuse to give him much to hit.

From Rookie Sensation to Franchise Icon

When Pete Alonso exploded onto the scene in 2019, he did so in record-breaking fashion:

Set the MLB rookie home run record with 53 dingers
Earned National League Rookie of the Year honors
Helped bring excitement back to Citi Field

Since then, he’s become a fan favorite, a leader in the clubhouse, and a consistent MVP candidate. And now, with his name climbing Mets all-time leaderboards, his status as a franchise icon is undeniable.

How Long Can Alonso Keep Climbing?

With Alonso under contract through 2026, there’s a growing push among fans and insiders for the Mets to extend him long-term. Team president David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen have both spoken publicly about their desire to build around core players, and Alonso fits that mold perfectly.

If Alonso remains a Met into his mid-to-late 30s, he could:

Pass David Wright’s all-time RBI total (970)
Become the all-time home run king for the Mets
Break the franchise record for total games played at first base
Cement his status as one of the greatest Mets of all time

Comparing Alonso to Other Mets Greats

Let’s break down how Alonso stacks up statistically and impact-wise with other Mets legends:

Despite fewer games played, Alonso is already within striking distance of the top in nearly every major offensive category—a testament to his power, consistency, and health.

Mets Fans Celebrate a Living Legend

Across social media, Mets fans have taken the time to honor Alonso’s latest milestone. Tributes poured in from across baseball Twitter, with posts like:

“We are watching greatness. Pete Alonso is the best homegrown slugger we’ve ever had. Appreciate him.”

“Fourth in RBIs already? By the time he’s done, Alonso might rewrite the Mets record books.”

Some fans even drew parallels to Keith Hernandez and Mike Piazza, two former first basemen who earned Mets icon status not only for their production but their emotional impact on the team and fanbase. Alonso’s passion, fiery attitude, and deep connection to fans place him firmly in that lineage.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy Still in Motion

Pete Alonso’s legacy is far from finished—but the numbers already place him among the greatest hitters in New York Mets history. Passing Howard Johnson on the all-time RBI list is yet another reminder that the Polar Bear isn’t just putting up stats—he’s building a Hall of Fame-caliber resume.

As long as he remains healthy and committed, Alonso has a real chance to become the Mets’ all-time leader in home runs and RBIs—two of the most iconic benchmarks in baseball.

For now, fans at Citi Field get to enjoy one of the game’s premier power hitters in his prime. And every time Pete Alonso steps to the plate, another page in Mets history is waiting to be written.