Pete Alonso’s Historic Race: 8 More Home Runs to Replace Darryl Strawberry on the Mets’ Throne!

Pete Alonso, the man nicknamed the “Polar Bear,” is no stranger to rewriting history books. Since his Major League debut in 2019, Alonso has blasted his way into New York Mets lore with towering home runs, clutch performances, and a fierce determination to lead by power. Now, as the 2025 season heats up, he finds himself just eight home runs away from surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record of 252 career homers.

The chase is on — and Mets fans are watching every at-bat with anticipation.

With each swing, Pete Alonso edges closer to becoming the all-time home run king in Mets history. But this journey is more than just a statistical milestone; it’s a testament to Alonso’s consistency, loyalty, and lasting impact on a team that has needed a superstar to believe in.

The Legacy of Darryl Strawberry: A Legendary Standard

Before diving into Alonso’s historic home run race, it’s essential to recognize the man he’s chasing — Darryl Strawberry.

Strawberry was the Mets’ biggest star during the 1980s, winning the 1986 World Series and earning seven All-Star appearances in a Mets uniform. His swing was majestic, his charisma unmatched, and his home run total — 252 in a Mets jersey — seemed untouchable for decades.

That is, until Pete Alonso arrived.

Strawberry’s record has stood since 1990, a benchmark untouched by the likes of David Wright, Mike Piazza, Carlos Beltran, or any other Mets slugger who came close. It has become symbolic — a measure of greatness reserved for the franchise’s elite.

Now, Alonso is on the brink of surpassing that very symbol.

Pete Alonso: Power and Passion Since Day One

Since breaking onto the MLB scene in 2019, Pete Alonso has been a force of nature. He immediately captured the hearts of Mets fans with his MLB rookie-record 53 home runs, earning him National League Rookie of the Year honors.

More than just the numbers, Alonso brought an energy and determination that resonated in Flushing. He embraced the city, the fans, and the challenge of being a cornerstone for a franchise looking to return to prominence.

Here are just a few of his milestones leading to this moment:

• 2019: 53 home runs (rookie record)

• 2021: Home Run Derby Champion

• 2023: Passed 200 career home runs

• 2025 (currently): Closing in on Strawberry with 245+ homers

His power is awe-inspiring. His leadership in the clubhouse is respected. And now, with the crown within reach, Alonso is about to make Mets history.

How Alonso Got Here: The Recipe for Consistency

Breaking a franchise home run record isn’t about one spectacular season — it’s about sustained excellence.

Pete Alonso’s consistency year after year is what has put him in position to surpass Strawberry. Despite injuries and slumps that have plagued others, Alonso has remained remarkably durable and productive.

He’s averaged nearly 40 home runs per full season, and even during down stretches, he always finds a way to produce runs and keep his team in the game.

What sets Alonso apart?

• Short, compact swing with massive torque

• Elite plate discipline and ability to punish mistakes

• Natural leadership that fuels his daily preparation

• A chip on his shoulder from doubters throughout his career

This combination makes Alonso one of the most feared power hitters in baseball — and one of the most beloved in Queens.

Why This Record Means So Much to the Mets and Their Fans

For Mets fans, watching Pete Alonso chase down Darryl Strawberry’s record is about more than just history. It’s a full-circle moment — from the glory of the ’80s to the frustrations of the 2000s, to the renewed hope of the present.

Strawberry was the face of a golden era. Alonso, now, is the face of a new era built on homegrown power and passion.

This record is personal for fans who have lived through it all. They’ve watched legends come and go. They’ve suffered heartbreak and disappointment. But Alonso’s chase gives them something to celebrate — a living connection to the team’s rich past and promising future.

And for Alonso, it’s not just about beating a number. It’s about honoring the players who came before him, and doing something meaningful in the jersey he’s proud to wear.

“Darryl Strawberry is a legend,” Alonso said in a recent interview. “To even be mentioned in the same breath is surreal. But I want to make my own mark, too. I love this team, I love this city, and I want to give the fans something to remember.”

What Makes Pete Alonso’s Journey So Unique

Alonso’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy. He wasn’t a can’t-miss prospect. He wasn’t drafted in the top 10. He was doubted for his defense, his speed, and even his long-term ceiling.

But none of that stopped him.

Alonso worked tirelessly in the minors, honed his swing, and forced his way into the big leagues. Now, he’s become one of the most iconic Mets of his generation.

In an era where player movement is common and loyalty is rare, Alonso’s commitment to the Mets has been unwavering. He’s spoken openly about his desire to stay in New York long-term, and the fans have responded with admiration and love.

Few players embody the city’s blue-collar mentality like Pete Alonso.

8 More Home Runs: The Countdown Begins

As of now, Alonso is just eight home runs away from breaking the record. The tension is building, each swing potentially a history-making moment.

What to expect in the coming weeks:

• Special commemorative ceremonies when Alonso ties or breaks the record

• National media attention as the milestone nears

• Darryl Strawberry himself potentially in attendance for the record-breaking game

• Fans tracking every pitch at Citi Field or from their screens at home

This isn’t just a Mets moment — it’s a baseball moment, a generational bridge between two franchise legends.

Could Alonso Go Beyond Just Breaking the Record?

Once he breaks Strawberry’s mark, the next question becomes: How high can Alonso go?

If he remains healthy and stays with the Mets, 500 career home runs isn’t out of the question. That would place him in elite company, among the game’s greatest power hitters.

With age still on his side (Alonso is only 30), and a swing built for longevity, his chase of the next tier in MLB home run history could be underway by the end of the decade.

Could he one day surpass Mike Piazza (427 career homers)? Or even become a dark horse candidate for the Hall of Fame?

Those questions are for tomorrow. For now, the focus is on eight more.

Conclusion: A King in the Making, A Legacy in Real Time

Pete Alonso’s race to overtake Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record is more than just numbers on a stat sheet. It’s the continuation of a legacy, the reward for years of hard work, and the celebration of a player who has given his heart to the Mets and the city of New York.

In a time when the game often feels transient and transactional, Alonso’s journey feels deeply rooted — a rare case of a player and a franchise growing together.

With just eight home runs standing between Alonso and Mets immortality, fans can feel it: history is about to be made.

And when that moment comes — whether it’s a moonshot into the upper deck at Citi Field or a liner over the wall in a crucial road game — Pete Alonso will officially sit on the Mets’ home run throne.

The Polar Bear is almost there.
And all of baseball is watching.