Earlier today, after a long awaited decision, former New York Mets superstar first baseman Pete Alonso inked a contract with the Baltimore Orioles for five years, $155 million. The news was first broken at approximately 1:07 p.m. ET by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
With this move, the Mets lose a five-time all star, coming off of a season where he took home a Silver Slugger award as well. It’s safe to say that some fans weren’t happy with letting the “Polar Bear” walk.
“I mean, it’s just unbelievable,” SPFHS senior Alexander Tabares told The Fanscotian. “I’m really hoping that [Steve Cohen] makes another move here, because this [offseason] is going terribly, and I’m extremely frustrated.”
Fans like Tabares understand the impact that Alonso had on the Mets, not just as a player, but as a locker room presence as well. Alonso was a fan favorite, and embodied what it meant to be a New York Met.
When talking with Tabares, he showed a sense of shock after the move from Alonso.
“I truly thought that [signing Alonso] was a gimme. But we decided, let’s not do that. Let’s go win 50 games next year,” Tabares said.
Not every fan had the same reaction, though, as some didn’t think this was the worst decision from the Mets. SPFHS junior Connor Hayeck is also a die-hard Mets fan, and he had a very different reaction than Tabares.
“I honestly think it was good to let him walk,” Hayeck said. “He’s asking for way more than what he’s worth, and with things on a downward slope, I think it was smart to let go of him.”
Mets fans won’t be the only New Yorkers affected by the move though. Alonso signing with Baltimore means he’ll be playing in the American League East this year, heavily competing with the Yankees.
In a division that has been neck and neck the last few seasons, Alonso could add that push to get the O’s over the hurdle that is the AL East. If this is the move that gets Baltimore to the playoffs, it could be something that all New York fans wish never happened.
It’s safe to say, the 31 year old power hitter will do great things for Baltimore. When Alonso comes back to Citi Field with the Orioles on Sept. 14 of next season, it will be a homecoming event that’s fun to watch.
