Pete Alonso Dominates National League in March/April: Can This First Baseman Maintain His High Performance Throughout the Season?

Pete Alonso, the hard-hitting slugger of the New York Mets, has come out of the gate in 2025 with explosive form, leading the National League in key offensive categories through March and April. As Mets fans revel in his power-hitting resurgence, analysts across Major League Baseball are asking one pivotal question: Can Alonso maintain this elite level of performance throughout the grueling 162-game season?

Following a 2024 campaign that drew mixed reviews, Alonso has silenced doubters and reasserted himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. With home runs flying, RBIs piling up, and defensive metrics improving, the former Rookie of the Year is making a strong case not just for All-Star recognition, but potentially an MVP run.

Pete Alonso’s Hot Start Sets the Tone

Through the first month-plus of the 2025 MLB season, Pete Alonso has been a nightmare for opposing pitchers. As of early May, Alonso leads the National League in home runs (12), RBIs (32), and slugging percentage (.667), while also posting a respectable on-base percentage above .360. His OPS ranks among the top three in the entire league, putting him in the same statistical conversation as perennial MVP candidates like Mookie Betts and Ronald Acuña Jr.

What stands out most is how consistent Alonso’s power has been across every matchup. Whether it’s left-handed pitching, high-velocity arms, or elite bullpen closers, Alonso is handling it all with surgical precision. The rhythm of his swing, paired with a more disciplined plate approach, is giving Mets fans flashbacks to his record-breaking rookie season.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Alonso’s maturity at the plate: “Pete has elevated not just his own game, but the entire offense. He’s become a leader, both statistically and emotionally, for this clubhouse.”

Improved Plate Discipline Key to Success

One of the biggest developments in Alonso’s game in 2025 is his improved approach at the plate. After drawing criticism in past seasons for swinging at pitches out of the zone, Alonso has refined his strike zone awareness. His walk rate has increased, while his strikeouts per game have dipped, signaling a more mature hitter who’s no longer just swinging for the fences.

This evolution has made pitchers far more cautious when attacking Alonso. He’s not just crushing fastballs anymore—he’s adjusting to off-speed pitches and working deep into counts. This patience has not only boosted his on-base numbers, but has forced opposing teams to adjust their entire game plan when facing the middle of the Mets’ order.

By chasing fewer pitches and focusing on quality contact, Alonso is no longer an all-or-nothing slugger. He’s becoming a complete hitter, capable of impacting games even when the long ball isn’t in play.

Defensive Improvement Bolsters Alonso’s All-Around Value

While Alonso has long been known for his offensive firepower, 2025 has also shown a noticeable improvement in his defensive game at first base. Once seen as a below-average defender, Alonso has committed fewer errors, showcased improved footwork, and displayed better instincts on double plays and pickoff attempts.

According to advanced metrics, Alonso currently ranks in the top five among NL first basemen in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR)—a significant leap from past seasons. His offseason training clearly focused on agility and defensive fundamentals, and it’s paying off.

Alonso himself acknowledged the effort during an early April interview: “I knew I had to be more than just a bat. If I want to lead this team to October, I have to bring value in every part of the game.”

This commitment to both sides of the ball may be the X-factor that finally puts Alonso into MVP contention, especially if the Mets remain competitive in the NL East.

Leadership and Locker Room Presence Matter

Beyond statistics, Alonso’s leadership is becoming more visible in a clubhouse filled with young talent and new faces. With veterans like Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor often sharing leadership duties, Alonso has stepped up vocally, embracing his role as a franchise cornerstone.

He’s taken rookies under his wing, mentored struggling teammates, and remained a steady presence during both hot streaks and slumps. This emotional maturity contrasts sharply with earlier years, when Alonso sometimes let frustrations spill over on the field.

Now, he appears more focused, more grounded, and more committed than ever to team success. The combination of performance and leadership is making Alonso the face of a franchise hungry for playoff relevance.

Can He Sustain It Over 162 Games?

The big question remains: Can Pete Alonso maintain this blistering pace over the long MLB season?

History shows that maintaining top-tier production from April to October is a formidable challenge. Fatigue, pitching adjustments, and the sheer mental toll of the season often take a toll on even the best players. Alonso himself has had hot starts in previous years that cooled by midseason, leading to questions about consistency.

However, several factors in 2025 point to a more sustainable performance arc:

• Improved physical conditioning: Alonso trimmed down during the offseason and reportedly focused on endurance and core strength.

• Enhanced lineup protection: With Starling Marte returning to form and Brett Baty breaking out, Alonso is seeing better pitches.

• Stable role and confidence: Alonso is firmly established as the Mets’ No. 3 hitter, and the lack of internal competition or contract uncertainty has allowed him to play freely.

Unless injuries or a major slump occur, there’s growing optimism that Alonso could finish the season with 40+ home runs, 110+ RBIs, and a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) comfortably above 5.0.

Comparison with Other NL Power Hitters

When comparing Alonso’s first two months with other NL stars, the numbers speak for themselves. Players like Matt Olson, Paul Goldschmidt, and Freddie Freeman remain elite at their positions, but Alonso’s early-season dominance is outpacing all of them in both traditional and advanced stats.

He’s out-homered Olson, driven in more runs than Freeman, and owns a higher slugging percentage than Goldschmidt. If this trajectory holds, Alonso could not only earn another All-Star nod but may finally receive the MVP attention many believe he deserves.

Impact on Mets’ Playoff Aspirations

The New York Mets are in a transition phase. After a disappointing 2024 season, new leadership and a more focused roster have rekindled hopes in Queens. A big part of that renewed optimism stems from Pete Alonso’s performance.

The Mets’ offense currently ranks in the top five in runs scored and slugging, much of which can be attributed to Alonso’s production and presence. If the Mets remain within striking distance of the NL East crown or a Wild Card spot, Alonso’s performance will be directly tied to their playoff hopes.

With the Braves and Phillies looming large in the division, the Mets need their star first baseman to keep producing at elite levels. A cold streak from Alonso could spell doom, but a red-hot summer stretch might catapult the Mets back into postseason relevance.

Final Thoughts: Is This Pete Alonso’s Career Year?

There’s a growing sense around the league that 2025 might be Pete Alonso’s defining season. He’s combining power, consistency, leadership, and defense in a way that few first basemen in baseball can match. Whether or not he keeps up this pace, one thing is clear: Alonso is back at the forefront of the NL elite, and he’s doing it with more poise and polish than ever before.

If he can stay healthy, keep grinding through the long summer months, and continue anchoring the Mets both offensively and defensively, Pete Alonso has a legitimate shot to finish 2025 as the MVP—and perhaps even as a playoff hero in Queens.

The next few months will tell the full story. But for now, Pete Alonso’s dominance in March and April has reignited the flame in Flushing, and the baseball world is watching with anticipation.