“I’m a big fan”: Mets legend Ron Darling shares candid reaction to Pete Alonso $54 Million contract

In a recent interview on SNY's Sal Licata platform, Mets broadcaster and former player Ron Darling threw his thoughts into an interview concerning the Mets' signing of star first baseman Pete Alonso to a historic $54 million contract. The former pitcher of Mets, who played from 1983 to 1991, couldn't avoid praising the much acclaimed Alonso and alluded to his great potential to spur the team further in the years to come.

Pete Alonso: The Mets' Home Run King Ready to Smash More Records

"I'm a big fan of Pete Alonso," said Darling. “To this guy, he will always be referred to as the ‘Golden Age of Mets baseball’. Since being drafted in the year of 2019, he has been playing for the Mets and has quickly emerged as one of top power bats among players of the Major League Baseballs; Pete Alonso is 29 years old today. His numbers on home runs and RBIs are fantastic too because he is known for cracking the stick during his five-year stay with Mets’ jersey. Then again in 2019, he set another rookie record when he hit 53 home runs that season and also earned the National League’s rookie award. There have been the same suspicions since then where every season had at least 40 including this year when also having scary sluggers like him,” said Darin describing what was there back in 2019.”

He went on to show his prowess again in the year 2023, blasting 47 home runs to knock in 100 RBIs, thus assuring his position as the offense's major weapon within the team. His combination of greatness with batting average, along with leadership in the clubhouse, makes him a cornerstone of the Mets’ batting lineup.
That makes Darling think Alonso would have an RBI-inducing year in 2025, with a lineup around him shaping to be stronger than any before. The $54 million contract that Alonso signed, most of which is guaranteed, means he would be around part of the Mets’ future plans. The deal is absolute financial security for Alonso, and at the same time, places a dynamic centerpiece in the Mets' offense.

Moving forward, his bat will still be key to the Mets, but Darling has acknowledged that he works hard at it and cares for the game, saying that Alonso's leadership extends beyond the batter's box.
The Mets are set for the long term now with Alonso, so the fans can only expect big things from the slugger in the coming days both at the plate and in the clubhouse. As Darling says: This is just the beginning of Pete Alonso and the Mets.