Pete Alonso Becomes The New York Mets’ All-Time Home Runs Leader

Pete Alonso has officially etched his name into New York Mets history, breaking a franchise record that stood for nearly four decades. On Tuesday night, under the lights at Citi Field, the Mets’ slugging first baseman launched his 253rd career home run, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s long-standing mark of 252, a milestone that had stood untouched since 1990.

The historic blast came in the third inning against one of the game’s most dominant pitchers, Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves. Facing a 95.1 mph fastball, Alonso sent the ball just over the wall in right-center field for a two-run homer, giving the Mets a 5-1 lead. The shot not only gave the Mets a crucial cushion but also cemented Alonso’s place at the very top of the team’s home run leaderboard.

A Special Moment at Citi Field

As soon as the ball cleared the fence, the Mets’ dugout erupted. A scoreboard graphic appeared with the number “253” alongside images of polar bears, a nod to Alonso’s beloved nickname, “Polar Bear.” Teammate Brandon Nimmo, who scored ahead of Alonso on the homer, was the first to embrace him, followed by longtime friend and on-deck hitter Jeff McNeil.

Alonso acknowledged the roaring crowd with a doff of his cap and even blew kisses to fans, many of whom had been cheering for him since his electric rookie season in 2019. The scene was made even more special by the presence of Mets owner Steve Cohen, who was in attendance to witness history.

Under the direction of manager Carlos Mendoza, the entire Mets team poured out of the dugout to congratulate their slugger. The ovation was so loud that Alonso emerged for a curtain call during McNeil’s at-bat, further igniting the already electric atmosphere.

Following the inning, the ballpark’s sound system played the iconic theme from The Natural, and the broadcast cameras focused on Strawberry’s retired No. 18, hanging high above the foul territory in left field. It was a perfect tribute linking the Mets’ past and present power kings.

A Hot Streak That Made History Possible

Alonso’s record-breaking homer was his fifth in just 10 games this month, matching the total he had in a prolonged 43-game stretch from mid-June to late July. He had tied Strawberry’s mark on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, and fans had been anticipating the moment he would stand alone atop the leaderboard.

This wasn’t the first time Alonso made history. His rookie season in 2019 was one for the ages — he smashed 53 home runs, setting not only a Major League rookie record but also the single-season Mets record. Since then, he’s become one of the most reliable power hitters in the game, reaching the 40-homer plateau in two other seasons.

Longevity and Consistency

The 30-year-old’s rise to the top of the Mets’ record books was fueled not only by raw power but also by durability. Tuesday marked his 965th regular-season game, and he has now appeared in 372 consecutive games, the longest streak in Mets history.

That consistency has helped him become one of baseball’s most feared sluggers year after year. Even during stretches when his average dips, his ability to change a game with one swing keeps him a central figure in the Mets’ offense.

A Contract with the Future in Mind

This past offseason, Alonso entered free agency for the first time but ultimately returned to New York on a two-year, $54 million deal, which includes a $24 million player option for 2026. Given his elite production, many expect him to decline that option and seek a longer-term contract. For now, though, Alonso remains locked in as the face of the franchise’s power game.

Only two other active players currently lead their franchises in career home runs — Manny Machado for the San Diego Padres and Mike Trout for the Los Angeles Angels. It’s an elite group, and Alonso has now joined them.

Strawberry’s Legacy and the Passing of the Torch

Darryl Strawberry’s Mets career remains legendary. He broke Dave Kingman’s previous record with his 155th home run on May 3, 1988, and went on to total 252 homers in 1,109 games for New York. A sweet-swinging lefty, Strawberry helped lead the Mets to the 1986 World Series title before later playing for the Dodgers, Giants, and Yankees, finishing his career with 335 home runs.

For Alonso to break a record belonging to one of the most iconic players in Mets history is a testament to both his talent and impact on the team since arriving in the majors.

Perspective Across MLB

Alonso’s 253rd homer puts him in rare company not only for the Mets but across all of baseball. Of the 30 Major League franchises, only the Diamondbacks and Padres have never had a player surpass 252 homers. For Arizona, Luis Gonzalez holds the record with 224, while Machado — still active and climbing — sits at 187 for San Diego.

Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton, now with the Yankees, holds the Miami Marlins record with 267 homers. Alonso’s rapid climb suggests that, if he stays healthy, he could push the Mets’ franchise mark well beyond 300 by the time his career in New York is over.

A Moment That Will Be Remembered

Records are made to be broken, but some carry more weight than others. This was one of them. For Mets fans, Strawberry’s record was a link to the team’s glory days of the 1980s. Alonso’s achievement doesn’t erase that history — it builds on it, creating a bridge between eras.

The chants of “Pete! Pete! Pete!” that echoed through Citi Field on Tuesday night were not just for the home run itself, but for what it represents: loyalty, consistency, and the continuation of a tradition of great sluggers wearing the blue and orange.

If history is any indication, Alonso isn’t done yet. With several years of prime baseball ahead of him, the “Polar Bear” could make the Mets’ all-time home run record untouchable for decades to come.