New York Mets: Pete Alonso will become a star at Home Run Derby
The New York Mets may have a tough start to their season, but one of their three All-Stars could become a star nationally on Monday night.
The annual Home Run Derby has served as the ultimate event of Major League Baseball’s All-Star celebration, and New York Mets outfielder Pete Alonso is a participant. It has created memorable moments and most importantly put the top sluggers on a national stage to become the latest stars of the league.
Alonso has had a banner first half of the season for the Mets in only his rookie season. His home run total continues to climb the record books as he is already holding the record for most dingers by a rookie in franchise history. The distance in which his long balls have been traveling has also gotten attention with his farthest shot last month against the St. Louis Cardinals going 458 feet.
The rest of the field is formidable with top hitters from both leagues battling in a bracket matchup format. Matt Chapman, Ronald Acuna Jr., Alex Bregman, Josh Bell, Carlos Santana, Joc Pederson, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. round out the lineup. Alonso is currently listed as the number two seed due to his regular-season total leading up to the seeding deadline.
Alonso was recently awarded National League rookie of the month for the second time this season. The Mets rookie was on fire in June connecting on nine homers, 21 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 28 games at the plate. The opportunity to put on a show in Cleveland, Monday night is essential to him taking that next step into stardom.
The Mets have been seeking a suitable replacement for team captain David Wright since his retirement. Alonso could quickly fill that void and become a household name by putting up big numbers during the contest. New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge had a similar path his rookie season using the event to help bolster his image nationally.
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The Mets may have a sub-par record but are currently with three young and amazing All-Stars. There is still plenty of hope to be had in Queens, NY and plenty to root for on Monday night.