Pete Alonso Scores Again, Closing in on New York Mets Legend: Is a Historic Record Within Reach?

Pete Alonso, the power-hitting first baseman for the New York Mets, has once again captivated the attention of baseball fans with his relentless pursuit of history. With each home run and RBI, Alonso inches closer to becoming a franchise icon—not just in name, but in statistical legacy. As he closes in on one of the Mets’ most cherished records, the question looms: Can Pete Alonso become the greatest slugger in Mets history? With a scorching start to the 2025 season and a career already packed with highlights, Alonso is not just making headlines—he’s making history.

Pete Alonso’s meteoric rise in Mets history

Since debuting with the Mets in 2019, Pete Alonso has been a force of nature. Nicknamed the “Polar Bear” for his massive build and intimidating power, Alonso made an immediate impact during his rookie season, smashing an MLB rookie record of 53 home runs. That performance earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors and instantly etched his name into Mets lore. Fast-forward six years, and Alonso continues to be the heart of the Mets’ lineup, a cornerstone player whose production has consistently placed him among the league’s elite.

What sets Alonso apart isn’t just the power—it’s the consistency and durability he’s displayed over the years. Despite facing injuries in previous seasons, Alonso has maintained an elite level of offensive output. As of mid-April 2025, he’s already tallied 7 home runs and 18 RBIs in just 16 games, a blistering pace that could position him for yet another 40-plus home run season. The energy, leadership, and confidence Alonso brings have made him more than just a slugger—he’s become the face of a franchise eager to reclaim its competitive edge.

Closing in on Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record

As of this writing, Pete Alonso has amassed 228 career home runs, placing him just behind Mets legend Darryl Strawberry, who holds the franchise record at 252. That gap of 24 home runs could easily be erased this season if Alonso continues swinging the bat with his current power surge. Given his hot start and favorable matchups throughout the season, it’s not unrealistic to project Alonso surpassing the mark by late summer or early September.

Darryl Strawberry, a key member of the 1986 World Series-winning Mets, has long stood as the franchise’s symbol of power. His elegant swing, ability to change a game with one swing of the bat, and his leadership on a title-winning team made his 252 home runs feel untouchable for decades. Yet Alonso, with a slightly different path but similar determination, is poised to surpass him—and maybe even redefine what power means in Mets history.

If Alonso breaks the record this season, he will do so in fewer games and at a younger age than Strawberry, reinforcing his standing as one of the most productive home run hitters in MLB history through his first seven seasons. What makes the moment even more poetic is that Alonso is achieving this feat in a Mets uniform—a franchise known more for its dominant pitching than its offensive fireworks.

Legacy implications: Can Alonso become the greatest Met ever?

There’s a deeper layer to Alonso’s quest than just numbers. With each milestone, he strengthens his case to be remembered not just as a great hitter, but as one of the greatest Mets of all time. Beyond Strawberry, he’s closing in on other franchise legends in various statistical categories: RBIs, slugging percentage, and total bases.

Only a select few have ever been mentioned in that conversation—Tom Seaver, David Wright, Mike Piazza, Keith Hernandez. Alonso’s raw power, combined with his emotional investment in the franchise and connection with fans, places him uniquely in that mix. He’s not just a stats guy—he’s a player who embraces New York, thrives under pressure, and welcomes the spotlight.

Pete Alonso’s personality also plays a role. He’s a fan favorite, always energetic, outspoken about his love for the game, and fully committed to bringing a championship back to Queens. His charity work off the field, especially through the Alonso Foundation, adds another layer to his legacy. Fans see him as one of their own—a symbol of hope during rebuilding years and a leader in playoff pushes.

With the Mets’ playoff hopes in 2025 very much alive, Alonso’s leadership will be critical. If he can carry this team deep into October—especially with the franchise still yearning for its first World Series title since 1986—his legacy will be cemented in both statistical and emotional terms.

Pete Alonso’s 2025 season: A story of resurgence

Coming off a challenging 2024 season, in which the Mets underperformed despite high expectations, Pete Alonso entered 2025 with a chip on his shoulder. He worked relentlessly in the offseason, refining his swing mechanics and focusing on endurance. The results have been immediate and undeniable. Through just over two weeks of play, Alonso has been among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage.

What’s particularly striking is Alonso’s improved approach at the plate. In past seasons, opposing pitchers often exploited his aggressiveness by tempting him with off-speed pitches low and away. This year, Alonso has shown greater discipline, more walks, and fewer strikeouts—an evolution that has transformed him into a more complete offensive weapon.

His early-season success has been crucial for a Mets team that has struggled with injuries to key players and a shaky bullpen. With Francisco Lindor starting slow and several key arms still finding their rhythm, Alonso’s bat has carried the team through early turbulence. And as history has shown, when Alonso is locked in, the Mets become a legitimate threat in the National League.

The historic perspective: Alonso’s place in MLB lore

While Mets fans are focused on Alonso chasing Strawberry’s franchise record, the rest of the baseball world is starting to take notice of what could be a Hall of Fame trajectory. At just 30 years old, with nearly 230 home runs already under his belt, Alonso is on pace to join some of the most elite power hitters in baseball history.

If he averages even 35 home runs over the next six or seven seasons, he could realistically challenge the 500-home run mark—a number that almost guarantees Hall of Fame consideration. While it’s still early, especially considering the volatility of careers in the post-steroid era, Alonso’s combination of durability, power, and leadership makes him a strong candidate for Cooperstown down the line.

His name is now routinely mentioned alongside current greats like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Juan Soto when discussing the game’s most feared sluggers. But in some ways, Alonso’s story is even more compelling. He wasn’t a top-10 draft pick or a golden child prospect. He worked his way up, proved doubters wrong, and has now become the standard by which other power hitters are measured.

Could Alonso leave the Mets—or stay to become immortal?

One lingering subplot to Pete Alonso’s journey is his contractual future. As of 2025, Alonso is still in the final year of his deal and will be one of the most coveted free agents in baseball if the Mets don’t lock him up. The front office faces immense pressure to keep him in Queens—not just for what he brings on the field, but for what he means to the fanbase.

Letting Alonso walk would be more than a business decision—it would be an emotional blow to a franchise trying to build long-term success. Steve Cohen, the Mets’ ambitious owner, has publicly expressed a desire to keep Alonso in blue and orange for life, and fans are holding their breath for a long-term extension announcement.

If Alonso stays and breaks the franchise home run record in a Mets uniform, he’ll be forever remembered as the player who brought pride, power, and possibility back to Flushing. If he leaves, it could mark the end of an era—but not the end of a remarkable career.

Conclusion: A defining year for Pete Alonso and Mets history

With each passing game in the 2025 season, Pete Alonso is not just chasing numbers—he’s chasing immortality. Whether it’s breaking Darryl Strawberry’s home run record, guiding the Mets to the postseason, or setting the tone for a future dynasty, Alonso’s impact cannot be overstated. He has already redefined what it means to be a Mets slugger, and now he has a chance to become something even greater: the most iconic player in New York Mets history.

The home runs will continue. The fans will chant. The records will fall. But at the heart of it all will be a man who believed he could change a franchise—and did.