The New York Mets are grappling with uncertainty after star first baseman Pete Alonso was declared day-to-day following a right-hand contusion near the base of his thumb. The injury, which Alonso first experienced during early at-bats in Saturday’s game, forced the Mets to omit him from Sunday’s starting lineup, ending his streak of 353 consecutive games played. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that, although x-rays showed no fractures, the team is proceeding cautiously to avoid extended downtime for their key power hitter.
Alonso initially pushed through Saturday’s matchup despite noticeable discomfort.
“He got jammed a couple times, and it just got worse,”
Mendoza said, explaining the slugger’s worsening condition. Even so, Alonso managed a 1-for-5 performance, including a first-inning single, before the Mets’ 5–2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Recognizing the risk, the Mets elected to rest him while closely monitoring his recovery, emphasizing Alonso’s importance to a team already struggling for consistency.
The Impact of Alonso’s Injury on Mets’ Offensive Lineup
Throughout 99 games this season, Pete Alonso has been one of the few reliable offensive forces for the Mets, boasting a .276 batting average with 21 home runs and 77 RBIs. His durability and production have been critical amid a rollercoaster campaign marked by instability. With Alonso sidelined, rookie Mark Vientos has stepped in, but the team and fans alike remain anxious about how long this setback might last and what it means for New York’s playoff prospects.
Mendoza offered cautious optimism regarding Alonso’s treatment, noting,
“He’s getting treatment, and he’s said he’s a lot better this morning.”
Still, losing a vital component of the lineup during such a crucial stretch amplifies concerns about the Mets’ offensive depth and ability to generate runs. The absence of one of their few healthy power bats highlights the fragility of the team‘s current core.
Mets’ Past Trade Attempts Involving Alonso Resurface, Stirring Fan Frustration
Compounding the unease around Alonso’s injury, recent revelations about a 2023 trade attempt have reignited dissatisfaction among Mets fans. Insider Andy Martino revealed that the Mets had previously pursued a deal sending Pete Alonso to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, a young talent who once belonged to New York. The Cubs emphatically rejected the offer, leaving the Mets to continue relying on Alonso despite his current injury worries.
This missed opportunity now haunts the Mets organization, especially as Crow-Armstrong has recently emerged as a breakout star for Chicago. After overcoming early injury setbacks and a slow start, the 22-year-old outfielder is making a name for himself at Wrigley Field. Alonso’s ongoing struggles with injury and contract uncertainty make the front office‘s decision to hang onto him all the more bittersweet for supporters.
Reflecting on the situation, Crow-Armstrong expressed no ill feelings about the trade talks, stating he was simply
“looking for anything good to happen”
following his move. Yet for Mets fans, knowing that the team once considered trading away their leading slugger for a player now excelling elsewhere only deepens the frustration amid the current injury setback.
Uncertainty Looms Over Alonso’s Future and Mets’ Playoff Chances
As Pete Alonso’s thumb injury forces the Mets into cautious lineup decisions, the team’s offensive outlook appears increasingly precarious. The potential absence of their most consistent hitter during a season filled with ups and downs could further destabilize their playoff push. The Mets front office must now navigate the challenges of maintaining competitiveness without Alonso’s presence while possibly reconsidering their roster strategy moving forward.
With the July stretch underway and trade rumors swirling, the organization faces pressure to protect their investment in Alonso while addressing the offensive gaps his injury creates. The fragile nature of the Mets’ contention hopes now hinges on Alonso’s recovery and how quickly he can return to form, underscoring the fragility of their current position in the standings.