Pete Alonso is scheduled to make his return to Citi Field on Monday when the Baltimore Orioles visit the New York Mets. Alonso, who signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles in the offseason, is in the midst of another productive season.
Alonso is nearing a career milestone, entering Sunday one home run shy of 300 for his career. He is also on pace for his fourth 100-RBI season in the last five years, having already amassed 35 home runs this season. His departure from the Mets, who opted to move on from the five-time All-Star as part of a roster reconstruction, has been noted by his former teammates.
Mets players expressed their anticipation for Alonso's return. "It better be electric," said shortstop Francisco Lindor, expecting a strong reception from the crowd. "I hope people go crazy for him. He deserves it."
Catcher Francisco Alvarez shared similar sentiments. "I love Pete. I miss him," Alvarez said. "But now he’s on the other side and I just have to think about how to beat him and get him out." He added with a laugh, "I don’t know how to do that. It’s going to be pretty hard to do." Alvarez, along with Lindor and Brett Baty, credited Alonso for his mentorship during their time together. "I know how competitive he is as a player and we’re going to compete," Alvarez said. "He loves this game and I love that part about him." Both Alvarez and Lindor hope Alonso receives a positive greeting from the fans.
Alonso himself addressed his move during the free agency process, stating, "Honestly, for me, nothing is spiteful. During the free agent process, the Orioles were the front-runners the entire time. For me to be in a place where they see me here not for the short term, but a long-term period of time [and] not just a valuable piece from a production standpoint, but a cornerstone of the franchise, I want to make good on their belief in me. I do that by playing well and helping win ball games. It’s as simple as that."
Lindor acknowledged the shift in dynamic. "It will be great to see him, but then, after that, good luck," Lindor said. "We’ve got to win. We’ve got to play. I 100 percent want him to do well with [Baltimore]. He was a great teammate. A great person. I wish him nothing but the best, good luck and have fun. Then we’ve got to play."