An Eager Pete Alonso Is Ecstatic For Season to Start
Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso is coming into the 2021 season as what he describes as the “best version of himself.”
“I’m ready to help this team win,” the first baseman said, and continued to reiterate, during his Friday press conference held via Zoom in St. Lucie.
After the shortened 2020 season, and a season in which he had a bit of a “down” year from his rookie campaign, Alonso said that he has put in work during this offseason and is now excited to get into game situations and have live reads during Spring Training.
“I just wanted to elevate my games in all aspects,” Alonso said on what his goals were this winter coming into spring. “Offensively, defensively, running the bases. The game has so many different nuances. I just wanted to improve across all areas,” Alonso added that he believes his defense has improved as he approaches his third big league season.
In 2020, Alonso was worth just 0.4 fWAR, but still clubbed 16 home runs, had a 118 wRC+ and .342 wOBA in 57 games. The Florida native said the shortened campaign threw off his rhythm with all the stop and go, as well as the summer camp that didn’t equate to a natural spring. However, Alonso feels a rebound is coming in 2021.
“I feel great, I feel like my body’s built up,” Alonso said. “I’m going to be in a really good position to help this team win (in a 162 game season).” Alonso hit a home run and a few line drives during camp today and said he wants to continue to be the 2019 Pete, but he also knows he can be even better.
The vibe around the Mets so far has been infectious. Alonso mentioned the great feelings everyone has in the Mets locker room early on this spring, and mentioned how fun it would be to take home a World Series title. A Tampa, Florida native, Alonso spoke on the city of Tampa experiencing winning Super Bowl LV this year, and tied that in to what it would mean for the Mets to do the same.
“I’m very very happy that Tampa was able to experience that,” Alonso said. “I can’t wait for that to happen to us, to win that championship.” When asked on the Mets’ ability to be that championship team, Alonso said that talent-wise, the Mets are capable of achieving that feat, but that they have to play this season and prove it on the field.”
Adding on to that, Alonso spoke during his press conference on struggles that players face during Spring Training and throughout a 162-game season, and the rigors that come with a roller coaster ride that encompasses a baseball campaign.
“Those ups and downs during Spring Training don’t quantify what happens during the season,” Alonso said. He also said, “failure is going to happen throughout the season,” but he says does not define someone as a player. “I love to compete and I want to win,” Alonso said.
He added that he tries not to let struggles eat him up too much, but because his effort is always there and he gives his best, days when doesn’t have it don’t keep him up at night.
Alonso continued to reiterate his excitement for the season, saying he want to keep getting better and improving all aspects of his game. He said he wants to attack the zone, attack the pitcher, play good defense, and be a good teammate this season. He also said he thinks he’s a good first baseman and does not see himself as a designated hitter.
“I’m a first baseman. I’m a position player. I’m not a DH. I don’t want to be labeled as that because I’ve worked too hard,” Alonso said. He adds that he’s a good first baseman and has a great opportunity. “I will never think of myself as a DH.”
Alonso called the 2021 season a “year of resiliency,” saying he’s excited for a 162-game season and can’t wait for a full season and to see how his numbers are going to play once he gets in a groove.
And who could forget the potential return of the black jerseys being a talking point?
“I really do hope that we get them. I think it’d be exciting. The Friday night blackouts. Everyone in the stadium with a blacked out jersey. I think it’d be so intimidating, a sea of black shirts in the outfield.”
And with one parting phrase, Alonso left the Zoom chat saying “LFGM!”
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