The New York Mets, holding a 63-51 record and positioned second in the National League East, face a testing stretch with a three-series losing skid and the threat of being swept by the Cleveland Guardians. Despite these struggles, Mets fans received encouraging news on Wednesday as Pete Alonso was named a nominee for the 2025 Heart and Hustle Award, recognizing his dedication and impact on the team.
Alonso is now among 30 nominees competing for the award, which honors players who demonstrate genuine passion and embody the values and tradition of baseball. Other contenders include Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, Bobby Witt Jr. from the Kansas City Royals, and José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians.
Alonso’s Performance and Role in the Mets’ Lineup
Currently, Pete Alonso has maintained a batting average of .267 and stands 11th in Major League Baseball with 25 home runs this season. He leads the Mets with 91 RBIs and holds a .867 OPS, tying for 15th place in the league over 114 games. Alonso’s continued productivity is a bright spot as the Mets try to stabilize their season.
Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Highlights Alonso’s Commitment and Focus
With 251 career home runs, Alonso is close to surpassing Darryl Strawberry as the franchise’s all-time leader, needing just two more to claim the top spot. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized Alonso’s intense preparation efforts, noting his constant study of opposing teams’ pitching.
“He’s watching film 24/7. We could be on a flight and you’d walk by his seat and he’s got his iPad, his notebook, and he’s watching the whole pitching staff from the team that we’re about to face.”
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Mendoza added that breaking the franchise home run record with the Mets would be a meaningful accomplishment.
I don’t want to put too much pressure on it … It’s going to happen and if it happens in the next couple days, that means we’re in a good place. But I think it’d be special to do it here.
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Significance of the Award and Alonso’s Pursuit of Franchise History
The Pete Alonso Heart and Hustle Award nomination highlights not only his talent but also the passion that he brings to baseball. As he approaches a franchise milestone, Alonso’s pursuit is a focal point for the Mets during a season marked by challenges. Achieving the home run record would underscore his growing legacy within the organization and energize the team and its fanbase moving forward.
With strong backing from manager Carlos Mendoza and consistent on-field success, Alonso looks poised to make history while continuing to represent the spirit of the game, as celebrated by the Heart and Hustle Award.