New York Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso is one of the best power hitters in all of Major League Baseball.
Alonso, 30, is in the middle of another All-Star caliber season, slashing .262/.354/.861 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs. After mashing a home run each of the past two games, the five-time All-Star is closing in on the Mets' franchise home run record of 252, held by Darryl Strawberry, and is only two behind.
Despite being so close to the franchise home run record, Alonso spoke up about how it will be meaningful to break the record, but he's more focused on winning right now, as transcribed by MLB.com's Bill Ladson.
“For me, I want to capitalize on opportunities when presented and help the team win. That’s really all I am concerned about,” Alonso said. “The record is something that is really special and it’s meaningful, but right now -- in the heat of it -- I’m not too focused on it or worried about it.
“I’m focused on wins and what I can do to help this team win each game. We are in the thick of a playoff race right now, and I’ll think of all other stuff in the offseason or whenever I have time to. Right now, this is all team focused.”
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Alonso is right that the Mets are in a heated playoff race right now. Despite leading their division with a 63-48 record, the Philadelphia Phillies are right on their tail with a 62-48 record. With around 50 games remaining in the season, it seems like a matter of time before Alonso breaks the home run record.
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