Controversial MLB Exec Opens up on All-Star's Departure After Historic Year

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns commented on the departure of first baseman Pete Alonso following the 2026 season. Alonso, 31, signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles last offseason, concluding his seven-year tenure with the Mets. During his time with the Orioles, Alonso led the American League in both home runs (43) and RBIs (113), becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve this dual milestone.

When asked about Alonso, Stearns stated bluntly, "In this job I don't get mulligans." He added that if given the chance, the Mets would likely bring Alonso back given their current situation. The Mets finished the 2026 season with a 74-88 record, ending in last place in the NL East after narrowly missing the postseason in 2025. Eight players played at first base for the Mets throughout the season, with Jared Young leading the way in reps at the position, appearing in 81 games.

Young had a 110 wRC+, while the Mets as a whole had an 85 wRC+ at first base over the course of the year. Alonso, who played every game for the Orioles this season, had an even higher wRC+ of 146. Throughout his seven seasons with the Mets, Alonso displayed exceptional statistics and rarely missed a game. He played 1,008 games for the team, hitting 264 homers and driving in 712 runs in the National League alone.

Alonso made an immediate impact when he joined the Mets in 2019, hitting a rookie-record 53 homers and winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. He followed up with 40 homers in 2022 and 2023, as well as at least 30 homers in each of his other seasons with the team, aside from the shortened 2020 season. Alonso made his return to Citi Field in September as a member of a different team, hitting two home runs, including his 300th of his career.

The Mets clearly underestimated Alonso's contributions to the team, and now must watch him build his legacy with his new franchise.