A Legend's Regret: Darryl Strawberry Believes Pete Alonso Made a Monumental Mistake Leaving the Mets!
It's a sentiment that echoes through the annals of baseball history: the idea of leaving a place where you could become a legend for something... less. Baseball icon Darryl Strawberry is firmly in the camp that believes Pete Alonso has made a decision he will deeply regret, a move that could "haunt him after his career is over." Strawberry, speaking from the Mets' spring training grounds, shared his strong feelings about Alonso's departure from New York to join the Baltimore Orioles.
"He could have been at the top of every offensive category for this organization," Strawberry lamented, picturing the unwritten history Alonso could have etched in Mets lore. He believes Alonso had the potential to shatter records and cement his legacy as a true Mets icon. "One day, he's going to wake up just like I did and he’s going to regret leaving New York."
Strawberry's own departure from the Mets to the Dodgers in 1991 serves as a touchstone for his perspective. But here's where it gets personal and poignant: he emphasizes that his move was driven by a desire for an ownership that was more invested. "You’ve got an owner that really cares. You’ve got an owner that will work with you if you work with him." This is a stark contrast to what he perceives as a less supportive environment in New York for Alonso.
But here's where it gets controversial... Strawberry’s personal journey has been marked by profound introspection, especially after surviving a heart attack and a near-fatal overdose. This brush with mortality has undoubtedly shaped his outlook, leading him to believe that certain opportunities, like building an enduring legacy in New York, are too precious to forsake. He feels that both Alonso and the Mets' front office could have "fought harder in that situation" to make a deal work.
Alonso, of course, had the option to not opt out of his contract and instead negotiate an extension. On the other side, president of baseball operations David Stearns, who notably didn't even extend an initial offer, could have been more open to compromise. Yet, Strawberry, a Mets Hall of Famer, believes that Alonso's five-year, $155 million deal with Baltimore will ultimately feel hollow compared to the historical significance he could have achieved in New York.
"I don’t leave New York to go to Baltimore," Strawberry stated emphatically. "Don’t get me wrong, I’m not [knocking] Baltimore, but I’m saying it’s not New York . . . He was on his way to something really special and great." He points to the potential for Alonso to surpass not only his own home run records but also David Wright's RBI mark. "What guys don’t understand is that stands forever."
To illustrate, Alonso's 264 homers already surpassed Strawberry's team record of 252. His 712 RBIs were closing in on Strawberry's 714 and still chasing Wright's 970. The decision to move to Baltimore also likely means Alonso's number 20 won't be retired by the Mets, a fate often tied to championship success with the team. "He left before the miracle happened," Strawberry mused.
It's a complex situation. Alonso initially turned down a substantial extension in 2023, aiming for free agency. However, a less-than-stellar season and a quiet market led him back to the Mets on a more team-friendly deal with an opt-out, which he then exercised. The sentiment from Alonso after the 162nd game hinted at a disconnect, with him hoping the Mets "appreciated him as much as he appreciated them."
Alonso himself has expressed contentment, telling Newsday, "there’s no need to think about the what-ifs and the hypotheticals because I’m so appreciated here . . . To where it’s like I feel so comfortable, so awesome with this group, that I don’t need to look back."
Still, Strawberry insists, "there’s no greater place to win [than] New York." He believes New Yorkers have a unique connection with their athletes, offering unwavering support but also demanding grit. "New York people [have] compassion and they’ll stay with you, [but they’ll also] run you out of town if you don’t have any guts. I left town. They didn’t run Pete out of town. He left town. It’s a big difference."
Despite his personal feelings about Alonso's move, Strawberry is impressed with the current direction of the Mets under David Stearns. He praises Stearns' ability to identify talent, noting the additions of players like Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien, the latter a 2023 World Series champion. "He knows baseball," Strawberry affirmed. "A lot of people discredit what he’s done with this team, but he’s got a lot of players that can play."
And this is the part most people miss... Strawberry highlights the importance of leadership and consistent performance. He questions the Mets' recent inability to compete with teams like Atlanta and Philadelphia, wondering, "where are the Mets?"
Now, over to you! Do you agree with Darryl Strawberry that Pete Alonso has made a regrettable decision? Or do you believe Alonso's move to Baltimore is the right career choice for him? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
