The New York Mets have been blessed to have so many talented stars don the orange and blue over the years. While not everyone deserves the title of team captain, as that is a very special honor reserved for a true leader with upmost class and talent both, there’s one guy who really does on this 2024 team. Here’s a closer look.
Over the years the team has had its fair share of leaders, most recently being David Wright, former Third Baseman, who first debuted in 2004. Wright became captain in 2013, the 4th for the team. Wright was an extraordinary leader, having fueled the magical season of 2006.
Wright’s stats were impressive as well, throughout his career, 14 years in MLB, with 1,777 career hits, a 49.2 career WAR, 242 home runs, 970 RBIs, batting .296 with a .376 OBP.
The younger Mets gravitated towards Wright, as he never was in the headlines for his personal life, he was one of the best examples of how to be a professional at your job and separate your personal life and opinions from the media and the world in the public eye, which can be difficult.
Now that Wright is retired, one current Mets leader has stepped up offensively and endeared himself to the fan base; Pete Alonso.
Alonso is in the “walk year” of his contract, Alonso has given the team 5 amazing seasons, being a 3x All Star, the 2019 NL East Rookie of the Year award winner, and the 2x Home Run Derby Champion as well.
Alonso, 29, wowed with a 3.2 WAR last year, hitting 46 home runs and driving in 118 runs. He had a .217 batting average and a .318 OBP.
Career wise, Alonso hit 198 home runs and 498 RBI’s, batting .251 with a .342 OBP.
It’s evident the younger Mets also gravitate towards Alonso in the way they did to Wright.
Both are leaders. Both have incredible talent. Both have class and professionalism. Alonso is the future. If the team can come to an agreement with him on a contract sooner than later, he should be a Met for life with the C worn on his chest. There is no reason why he shouldn’t have this special honor.
To sum it up, being a captain is a special honor that should be reserved for few. If the team is making moves for their future, this move is the best one and should be made before it’s too late. It’s fitting that Alonso has a monster year, gets a mega deal and the captain title. He deserves it. I really hope the team will see it this way and appreciate Alonso just as much.
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