Pete Alonso’s impressive start: Mets GM praises ‘unbelievable’ – Who is he surpassing in history?

Pete Alonso has set the Major League Baseball world on fire in the early weeks of the 2025 season. The New York Mets first baseman is off to an electrifying start that has not only carried his team to the top of the National League East but also sparked comparisons with historic power-hitting legends. In just over two weeks, Alonso has emerged as one of the most dangerous sluggers in the league, prompting praise from within the organization and drawing attention across the baseball landscape.

With eight home runs and 21 runs scored in the first two weeks alone, Alonso has not only shown his signature power but also evolved his approach at the plate. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns summed up the league-wide amazement, declaring via Tim Healey on X:

“What Pete’s doing is the best start I think any human could imagine.”

Let’s break down what makes this start so special, how Alonso is making statistical history, and what it means for the Mets’ playoff hopes.

Pete Alonso’s red-hot bat lifts the Mets offense

From the very first swing of the 2025 campaign, Pete Alonso’s power has been undeniable. As of mid-April, he leads the majors in OPS (1.157), slugging, and total bases. These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re historic. His early-season OPS marks a dramatic improvement from his 2024 campaign, which ended at a modest .788.

This surge is more than just home runs. Alonso has become a more complete hitter. He’s increased his walk rate, reduced his chase rate outside the zone, and found ways to generate hard contact more consistently. According to Baseball Savant, Alonso ranks in the 95th percentile in Barrel Rate and 98th percentile in Expected Slugging (xSLG), suggesting this start isn’t just a fluke—it’s sustainable.

The Mets’ offense, thanks in large part to Alonso, currently leads the National League in OPS and runs scored. He has carried the lineup through injuries and slumps from other key players, becoming the rock in the middle of the batting order.

Juan Soto’s struggles contrast Alonso’s dominance

Ironically, while Alonso is flourishing, Juan Soto—a marquee offseason acquisition—is still finding his rhythm at the plate. Soto is batting just .244, and his expected stats also lag behind his career norms. Meanwhile, Starling Marte has missed time with a nagging knee injury, leaving even more responsibility on Alonso’s shoulders.

But the Mets haven’t skipped a beat. Alonso’s ability to change the game with one swing has turned multiple close games into wins. His clutch hitting and improved plate discipline have forced pitchers to approach him more cautiously—yet even that hasn’t slowed him down.

A historical comparison: How rare is Alonso’s 2025 start?

To understand how historic this is, consider this: Pete Alonso is one of only three players in MLB history to hit 16 home runs in their team’s first 21 games while also scoring 20+ runs. The others? Jeff Kent and Anthony Rendon—both known for legendary starts and MVP-level performances in their primes.

That puts Alonso’s name alongside two All-Stars whose peaks helped lead their respective teams deep into October. Jeff Kent, the 2000 National League MVP, was a cornerstone of the San Francisco Giants’ offense. Anthony Rendon, during his prime with the Nationals, was one of baseball’s most complete third basemen. To see Alonso match those names statistically tells us we may be witnessing the best version of the Polar Bear yet.

Bold predictions: Could Alonso be the next NL MVP?

At his current pace, Alonso is on track to hit well over 50 home runs, a feat he achieved in his rookie season in 2019 when he hit 53. However, his current version is more dangerous because he’s not just a power hitter anymore—he’s a polished offensive force.

If the Mets continue winning and Alonso sustains even 75% of this level of production, he will undoubtedly be in the MVP conversation. His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is climbing rapidly, and he’s putting together the kind of all-around offensive campaign that voters love: power, clutch hitting, leadership, and carrying a team to first place.

How David Stearns is building around Alonso’s leadership

Mets executive David Stearns has emphasized building a team identity around consistency and toughness—qualities Alonso embodies. His response to Alonso’s fast start wasn’t just about stats; it was about what Alonso’s presence means for the culture of the team. As Stearns said, Alonso’s reliability in high-pressure moments has given the team confidence even when other players have struggled.

By centering the offense around Alonso while giving younger players like Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez room to develop, the Mets may have found a balanced core. Veterans like Francisco Lindor are playing strong supporting roles, but it’s Alonso who sets the tone.

The NL East arms race and the Mets’ edge

The NL East is arguably baseball’s most competitive division. With the Braves, Phillies, and Marlins all showing signs of playoff potential, every game matters. That’s why Alonso’s impact is so crucial. He’s the kind of player who can change a season with a single series—especially when pitching matchups are tight.

With the Braves and Phillies both stacked with strong rotations, the Mets need Alonso to keep doing what he’s doing. Even if Juan Soto finds his swing and Marte returns healthy, it’s Alonso’s bat that gives the Mets the edge in high-leverage matchups.

Pete Alonso’s mentality: Locked in, hungry, focused

Beyond the numbers, what’s striking about Alonso is his mindset. He’s spoken repeatedly about improving his approach at the plate, becoming more patient, and refining his swing mechanics. That discipline is paying off now more than ever.

After signing a major extension before the 2025 season, Alonso seemed poised to take his leadership role to the next level. So far, he’s done exactly that—leading by example and putting up numbers that match his reputation.

In an interview following his seventh home run, Alonso said:

“I feel like I’m just seeing the ball better. I’m not trying to do too much. I’m just hunting my pitch, and when I get it, I don’t miss.”

That laser-focused approach has made him the scariest hitter in the National League right now.

Looking ahead: Can Alonso lead the Mets to postseason glory?

It’s been a long time since Mets fans had a player producing at this level out of the gate. Not since 2015 have the Mets looked like true contenders in April. That year, they went all the way to the World Series. Could Alonso’s heroics be the spark to repeat that kind of magic?

If he stays healthy and the Mets get solid contributions from the rest of the lineup, there’s no reason to think they can’t make a deep playoff run. The rotation has been reliable, and the bullpen has been serviceable. But in tight postseason games, it’s sluggers like Alonso who make the difference.

The city of New York is watching. Mets fans are hopeful. And Pete Alonso? He’s rewriting the narrative about what it means to be a power hitter in the modern game—doing it with patience, leadership, and jaw-dropping production.

Final Thoughts

Pete Alonso’s start to the 2025 season isn’t just hot—it’s historic. From his home run pace to his advanced metrics and leadership presence, Alonso is the driving force behind the Mets’ rise in the NL East. With praise from the front office, respect from the league, and awe from fans, the Polar Bear is making a strong case for MVP consideration and a lasting place in Mets history.

If this momentum continues, Alonso could carry New York deep into October, rewriting his legacy one swing at a time.