Just 5 More: Pete Alonso defeated Darryl Strawberry to Touch the Throne of the Mets’ Home Run

The stage is set. Pete Alonso, the heart and soul of the New York Mets, now stands just five home runs away from tying Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record for the most career home runs in team history. With 247 homers and counting, Alonso is rapidly closing in on the legendary 253 mark, sparking excitement among Mets fans and baseball historians alike.

Mets Home Run Royalty: Alonso Joins an Elite List

In the long and storied history of the Mets, few hitters have reached the kind of power-hitting heights that Darryl Strawberry once did. Strawberry, with his towering 252 career homers in a Mets uniform, has held the franchise record for decades. Following him on the leaderboard is none other than Mets captain David Wright, who retired with 242 home runs.

But now, Pete Alonso, affectionately known as “The Polar Bear,” is rewriting the record books. His 247 career homers place him firmly in second place, and his current form suggests it won’t be long before he claims the top spot.

Countdown to 253: A Historic Moment in the Making

The Mets’ social media and fan base are in full countdown mode. As captured in a recent SNY post, the excitement is palpable:
“COUNTDOWN TO 253.”

This isn’t just about breaking a record—it’s about passing a Mets icon and solidifying Alonso’s legacy as one of the greatest power hitters in franchise history.

With each swing, Alonso brings the Mets closer to a new chapter in their history. And given his consistent production, the record could fall in a matter of weeks.

The Journey to the Throne: Alonso’s Rise as a Mets Star

Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Pete Alonso has been a home run machine. In his rookie season, he smashed 53 home runs, breaking the MLB rookie record and instantly becoming one of the league’s premier sluggers. From that point on, Alonso became synonymous with power hitting in Queens.

Despite the ups and downs of the Mets as a team, Alonso’s bat has remained a constant. Year after year, he’s produced at an elite level, earning multiple All-Star appearances and Home Run Derby titles along the way.

Comparing Legends: Alonso vs. Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry’s impact on the Mets in the 1980s was monumental. As a central figure in the 1986 World Series-winning team, Strawberry was beloved for his swagger and big-game performances. His 252 home runs became a symbol of that dominant Mets era.

But Alonso’s approach has been different. Where Strawberry was often polarizing, Alonso has been a beacon of leadership and positivity. From charitable efforts to being a clubhouse cornerstone, Alonso’s influence extends far beyond the diamond.

Statistically, Alonso is surpassing Strawberry in pace. Strawberry took 1,109 games to reach his home run total. Alonso, meanwhile, has amassed 247 home runs in fewer games, highlighting just how prolific his power surge has been.

What’s Next for Pete Alonso and the Mets?

While breaking Strawberry’s record is a major milestone, Pete Alonso’s ambitions go further. He has made it clear that his primary goal is bringing another World Series title back to Queens.

The Mets, who have shown flashes of brilliance in the 2025 season, are hoping to ride Alonso’s hot bat into the postseason. His leadership on and off the field makes him the centerpiece of the Mets’ playoff hopes.

But Alonso’s future with the Mets isn’t guaranteed. His contract situation remains a topic of conversation, with his current deal set to expire soon. While both sides have expressed interest in an extension, the negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion.

The Fans’ Hero: Alonso’s Impact on Mets Nation

For Mets fans, Pete Alonso has become a symbol of hope. Whether he’s launching balls into the Citi Field night sky or engaging with the community, Alonso embodies what it means to be a franchise player.

His pursuit of Strawberry’s record has reignited excitement during an otherwise rocky Mets season. Every home run is met with thunderous applause and social media frenzy, with fans tracking his progress pitch by pitch.

Milestone Moments: Key Home Runs Along the Way

Alonso’s path to 247 home runs has been filled with memorable moments:

• His first career home run, a towering shot in April 2019, announced his arrival.

• His record-breaking 53rd home run in 2019 set a new MLB rookie record.

• Multiple walk-off blasts have secured thrilling victories for the Mets.

• And his clutch home runs against rivals like the Braves and Phillies have only endeared him further to the fanbase.

The Pressure of History: Can Alonso Handle the Weight?

Chasing a franchise record is no small feat. The pressure, the media attention, and the expectations can weigh heavily on a player. But if there’s one thing Alonso has shown, it’s that he thrives under the spotlight.

In countless interviews, Alonso has emphasized that his focus remains on helping the team win, not personal accolades. Still, the significance of breaking Strawberry’s record isn’t lost on him. He recently remarked:

“It’s an honor just to be mentioned in the same sentence as Darryl Strawberry. But my job is to keep helping this team win games. Records are special, but championships last forever.”

A Defining Moment for a Franchise in Flux

The Mets’ history is filled with ups and downs. From the glory of 1969 and 1986 to the heartbreaks of countless near-misses, the franchise’s legacy is defined by moments of greatness. Pete Alonso’s pursuit of the home run record is one of those moments.

As the Mets continue to retool their roster and aim for contention, Alonso’s role as a cornerstone cannot be overstated. Whether the Mets extend his contract or risk losing him in free agency, his impact on the franchise is already undeniable.

Could 300 Be Next?

Assuming good health and sustained production, 253 home runs will be just the beginning. Alonso could realistically set the Mets’ home run record so high that it will take decades for another player to catch him.

At his current pace, Alonso could reach 300 career home runs with the Mets within the next couple of seasons. From there, the sky’s the limit.

The Symbolism of No. 253

Why is 253 such a meaningful number? Beyond the statistical achievement, it represents a passing of the torch from one Mets generation to the next. Darryl Strawberry carried the hopes of Mets fans through the 1980s. Now, Pete Alonso carries that mantle into the modern era.

Final Thoughts: A Record for the Ages

When Pete Alonso steps into the box for his next few at-bats, the weight of Mets history will be on his shoulders. Every crack of the bat brings him closer to 253, and when that milestone finally falls, it won’t just be another number in a stat sheet—it will be the culmination of years of dedication, power, and leadership.

For Mets fans, this is more than just a record chase. It’s a celebration of one of their own reaching the pinnacle of franchise greatness.

And for Pete Alonso, it’s the next chapter in a career that’s far from over.