Mets great David Wright offers advice to Pete Alonso as the first baseman remains unsigned in free agency
Mets legend David Wright had some advice for the first base free agent Pete Alonsowho spent his entire career with the Mets.
“It’s a different feeling when you’re drafted, you develop and play for the team that gave you your first chance,” Wright said at a press conference on Wednesday,
“There’s a little bit more – maybe a lot more – pride when you put that jersey on every night. And I hope he remembers that and doesn’t lose sight of that. That being said, I’ve never faulted a player for maximizing his earning potential.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 2 of the 2024 MLB NLDS playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
Wright would know what it means to spend his entire career with one team. The seven-time All-Star he was with the Mets from 2004 to 2018.
The team just announced that they are retiring Wright’s No. 5 jersey on July 19.
Alonso, 30, has been a constant presence in the middle of the Mets’ order since his debut.
Alonso was the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year and is a four-time All-Star and two-time home run derby champion.
FORMER ORIOLES PITCHER BRIAN MATUSZ DIES AT 37
New York Mets captain David Wright, right, greets Mets Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver after Seaver threw out the first pitch before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Citi Field on July 16, 2013. (Tyson Trish/Staff Photographer)
Since Alonso’s debut, only the New York Yankees have played Aaron Judge he hit more home runs (232) than Alonso (226).
The star first baseman has also been durable in his career, including playing in every game last season.
Alonso hit .240 while hitting 34 home runs with 88 RBI last season for the Mets, and hit .273 with four home runs in 13 playoff games.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso celebrates a victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 5 of the 2024 MLB NLCS playoffs at Citi Field. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
The first baseman market has shrunk after many teams made moves to fill that spot.
Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt, the Houston Astros signed Christian Walker, the Washington Nationals traded Nathaniel Lowe, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Josh Naylor, and the Cleveland Guardians signed Carlos Santana.
If Alonso and the Mets reunite, the first baseman is just 26 home runs away from passing Darryl Strawberry for the franchise’s career home run leader.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
