First baseman Pete Alonso etched his name into New York Mets history by becoming the franchise’s all-time home run leader, hitting career home runs 253 and 254 during the team’s 13-5 win against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on Tuesday night. Following this milestone, Alonso voiced a decisive message to Mets owner Steve Cohen and team president of baseball operations David Stearns about his future with the club.

Alonso’s Commitment and Expectations for Longevity

At just 30 years old, Alonso declared his ambition to play professional baseball through his age-40 season, emphasizing his dedication to maintaining performance at the highest level. He said,

“I have a goal to play baseball until I’m through my age 40 season, and for me, I’m going to work hard and do that,”

as shared by Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News. However, he made it clear that the business decisions rest with the team’s leadership, stating,

“The business side — Steve and David, they’ve got to come through.”

Earlier this year, Alonso signed a two-year extension with the Mets but is expected to consider opting out after this season. His current statistics reflect his continued dominance; ESPN data shows that Alonso was leading the 2025 Mets with a .267 batting average, alongside 28 home runs, tied with Juan Soto, and an OPS of .880. He ranks third in Major League Baseball with 96 RBIs for the season.

Alonso’s Affection for New York and the Mets Organization

Despite the business uncertainties surrounding his contract, Alonso expressed deep appreciation for the city and the Mets’ fanbase after setting the club’s home run record. He remarked,

“I love the city of New York,”

in comments reported by John Flanigan of SNY.

“I love the fanbase. It’s been great. The business is the business side if they choose to go in another direction. But for me, it’s been an absolute treat and pleasure playing here — this group is really special. That was one of the biggest reasons why I came back. …We just have an incredible group here that has a great purpose, and it’s been great playing here, I hope it doesn’t end.”

Mets fans have consistently voiced their desire for Alonso to remain with the team well beyond the current season. Drafted and developed by the organization, Alonso has played exclusively for the Mets since his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB debut in 2019, making him a central figure in the franchise’s present and future.

Alonso’s Deep Roots and Belief in Team Potential

Alonso reflected on his journey within the Mets system, emphasizing the organization’s faith in him since he was a 21-year-old rookie. He shared,

“I’ve grown up in this organization, so to speak. They believed in me as a 21-year-old kid, and they’ve consistently believed in me. Hopefully they continue to believe in me — but for right now, I’m just focused on our group effort day-to-day. This group is really talented and really special, so I’m just excited to keep going with this group — we have talent, we have grit, we have resiliency. Those are all hallmarks of what good ball clubs are, and because we have those characteristics, we believe in ourselves.”

His remarks underline a strong commitment not only to his personal goals but also to the Mets’ collective success. Alonso’s optimism demonstrates both his leadership in the clubhouse and his belief in the team’s ability to contend moving forward.

Calls from Media and Fans to Make Alonso a Long-Term Fixture

Following Alonso’s record-setting performance, voices within the sports media, including Anthony McCarron of SNY and Tyler Kepner of The Athletic, urged the Mets’ front office to secure Alonso as a permanent member of the team roster. Their advocacy reflects the widespread support for Alonso among the Mets’ fanbase, who have seen him develop into one of the franchise’s most important players.

Currently, the Mets remain focused on maintaining a playoff position, having experienced a performance dip after starting the season 45-24 and falling to 63-55 before Tuesday’s game. Alonso’s continued production will be crucial as the club aims to secure a spot in the postseason.

Alonso’s Impact and Outlook for Mets’ Future Success

Pete Alonso’s ascent as the Mets’ home run leader marks a significant milestone in both his career and the franchise’s history. His determination to extend his playing career, matched with his passion for New York and belief in the team’s resilience, sends a hopeful and motivated message about what lies ahead for the Mets. How the organization responds to Alonso’s clear expectations will likely shape the team’s direction in the coming years, especially as they fight to sustain their competitive edge in Major League Baseball.