Darryl Strawberry's Take on Pete Alonso's Future with the Mets
In a candid interview, Mets legend Darryl Strawberry opens up about Pete Alonso's future with the team, his own regrets about leaving New York, and his thoughts on the Mets' championship potential.
Strawberry, a Mets icon and one of the franchise’s greatest power hitters, couldn't hide his excitement about Alonso’s return. He emphasized the significance of playing in New York, recalling his own career and how much he wished he could have finished as a Met. “There’s no greater place you could play,” he said. “The memories are forever.”
Why Darryl Strawberry Wishes He Had Alonso’s Opportunity
Reflecting on his own departure from the Mets in 1990, Strawberry expressed a tinge of regret. He revealed that he was essentially pushed out, whereas Alonso had the power to make his decision. “I really wanted to finish up in Queens, but I was kind of pushed out,” he admitted. “There was no negotiation window for me.”
For Strawberry, there’s nothing more powerful in baseball than loyalty and legacy. Alonso has the rare chance to cement his name in Mets history—not just as the all-time home run leader but as a player who could bring another championship to New York.
Does Strawberry Care About Alonso Breaking His Record?
With 252 home runs, Strawberry still holds the Mets’ all-time home run record. But is he worried about Alonso dethroning him? Not at all.
“Listen, I’m so far removed from baseball it’s not even funny. It doesn’t faze me,” Strawberry stated. “Records are meant to be broken. I hope he does it.”
Strawberry’s mindset? It’s not about preserving records—it’s about seizing opportunities. And he hopes Alonso and the current Mets roster understand how short a window they have to secure a title.
Steve Cohen’s Big Move—What It Says About the Mets’ Future
Strawberry also took a moment to appreciate Mets owner Steve Cohen’s commitment to winning. By securing Alonso with a lucrative deal—including a $10 million signing bonus—Cohen put the organization under another tax threshold. But for Strawberry, this move speaks volumes.
“He’s ready to win. He wants to win,” Strawberry observed. “And David Stearns is the key to this organization moving forward.”
With a strong foundation and key players like Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Soto and young emerging stars, the Mets are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the long haul.
Final Thoughts: The Mets Must Capitalize on Their Championship Window
Strawberry ended the conversation with advice for Alonso and the team: don’t take this for granted.
“Have fun. It doesn’t last forever,” he said. “Your baseball career goes fast, and when you look back, you want to say you made the most of your opportunities.”
With Alonso locked in and the Mets set to regroup in spring training, could 2025 finally be the year that they bring another championship to Queens?