Decoding the Polar Bear phenomenon: Why has he become the brightest name of the week?

Pete Alonso is back in the headlines — and for all the right reasons. After a dominant stretch that electrified fans and left pitchers shaking their heads, the New York Mets’ powerhouse first baseman has been officially named the National League Player of the Week, presented by Chevrolet.

But this isn’t just any weekly award. This moment carries deep significance — not just for Alonso’s individual legacy, but also for Mets franchise history.

Let’s break down how Alonso’s unforgettable week unfolded — and what this award says about his trajectory in Major League Baseball.

Another Piece of History: Alonso Wins His Fifth Career Player of the Week Award

This week’s honor marks the fifth time that Pete Alonso has earned National League Player of the Week. He previously captured the award on:

• June 24, 2019

• September 26, 2022

• July 30, 2023

• April 15, 2024

With this fifth nod, Alonso continues to build an impressive case as one of the most dominant sluggers in modern MLB history.

Notably, he’s the first Met to win the honor since Francisco Lindor did on August 26, 2024, adding to a rich narrative of Mets offensive power in recent seasons.

By the Numbers: Alonso’s Explosive Week That Lit Up the League

What did Pete Alonso do to deserve this recognition?

In one word: everything.

Over the past week, the 30-year-old from Tampa, Florida, hit a scorching:

• .400 batting average (12-for-30)

• 5 home runs

• 15 RBIs

• 2 doubles

• 9 runs scored

• .967 slugging percentage

• .486 on-base percentage

Those numbers don’t just pop — they dominate the leaderboard.

Alonso led all of Major League Baseball in:

• Home runs

• RBIs

• Total bases (29)

He also ranked second in:

• Slugging

• OPS (1.453)

• Runs scored

And in extra-base hits (7), he tied for the league lead.

Record Breaker: Alonso Surpasses Franchise Greats

Alonso’s historic week wasn’t just about raw numbers — it was about surpassing legends.

When he smashed two home runs last Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, and repeated the feat Sunday in Colorado, he achieved his 22nd and 23rd career multi-homer games.

That accomplishment officially moved him past Darryl Strawberry (22) for the most multi-homer games in Mets history.

He didn’t stop there.

Later in the same game, Alonso launched his 243rd career home run, passing David Wright and moving into second all-time in Mets history, now trailing only Strawberry’s 252 homers.

The Polar Bear, as he’s affectionately known, continues to rewrite the franchise’s record books.

Dominating the Diamond: Alonso’s RBI Explosion

If Alonso’s home run surge impressed, then his RBI tear downright stunned.

He tallied:

• 5 RBIs on Wednesday

• 4 more on Sunday

This marks his 28th career game with at least four RBIs, the second-most in Mets history, trailing again only Strawberry’s 31.

But get this — since Alonso’s 2019 debut, no one in Major League Baseball has more 4-RBI games. Not Aaron Judge. Not José Ramírez. Pete Alonso leads them all.

From June 1st to June 8th, Alonso drove in 18 runs, tying the Mets’ franchise record for most RBIs in an 8-game span. Only Francisco Lindor, Yoenis Céspedes, and Carlos Beltrán have achieved the same.

Consistency and Power: Alonso in the Middle of Mets History

Alonso’s power surge is just the latest chapter in a career defined by consistency and clutchness.

He recorded multiple RBIs in four straight games (Tuesday to Friday), tied for the second-longest streak in franchise history. The last time a Met did that? Lucas Duda in 2015.

The record, unsurprisingly, belongs to Mike Piazza, who had five straight multi-RBI games in 2000.

To be mentioned alongside Strawberry, Wright, Piazza, and Beltrán is no small feat. Pete Alonso is officially on that level — or even surpassing it.

What This Means for the Mets’ Season

While the New York Mets have had a rocky season, Alonso’s award signals hope and leadership.

His ability to carry the offense single-handedly is a game-changer. When Alonso is locked in, pitchers have no margin for error.

He’s more than just a slugger — he’s a culture-setter, a clubhouse presence, and a player who thrives under pressure.

The Polar Bear’s hot streak could be the jolt the Mets need to climb back into playoff contention.

A National Spotlight: MLB Takes Notice

This week’s announcement placed Alonso back in the national spotlight. MLB Network highlighted his feat and praised his ability to produce at elite levels, year after year.

Meanwhile, American League honors went to Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals, who also had a stellar week. It marks the first time since 2022 that two first basemen won the award in the same week.

That pairing — Alonso and Pasquantino — represents the growing resurgence of power-hitting first basemen across the league.

Alonso’s Resume: A Growing List of Accolades

Here’s a quick snapshot of Pete Alonso’s resume so far:

• 2019 NL Rookie of the Year

• 4-time All-Star

• 2-time Home Run Derby Champion (2019, 2021)

• 5-time NL Player of the Week

• 243 career home runs (2nd in Mets history)

• 28 games with 4+ RBIs (most in MLB since 2019)

He’s still only 30 years old — and his best may be yet to come.

Fan Reactions: Mets Nation Roars with Pride

Mets fans wasted no time in celebrating Alonso’s recognition. Social media was flooded with posts praising #PolarBearPower and highlighting his stats.

One fan tweeted:

“Pete Alonso is the heart and soul of this team. When he’s hot, we believe again. Give that man a statue!”

Another said:

“FIVE Player of the Week awards?! The league better stop sleeping on Pete.”

It’s safe to say that Queens is beaming with pride — and rightfully so.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alonso and the Mets?

With summer heating up, the Mets will lean even more on Alonso’s bat.

If he can stay healthy and continue to produce at this level, he could:

• Compete for another Home Run Derby title

• Make his fifth All-Star appearance

• Set a career-high in RBIs or home runs

• Lead the Mets on a late-season surge

And dare we say — make a case for NL MVP consideration?

Conclusion: Pete Alonso Is Not Done Yet

Pete Alonso isn’t just Player of the Week — he’s building a legacy.

Week after week, season after season, he continues to show why he’s one of baseball’s most feared sluggers, a fan favorite, and a pillar of Mets history.

As the 2025 MLB season rolls on, one thing is certain:

You don’t mess with the Polar Bear when he’s on a tear.