The New York Mets have faced a lot backlash in 2026. They remain in last place in the National League East, and are tied for the worst record in baseball (14-23).
Mets’ fans are specifically not happy with president of baseball operations, David Stearns.
Stearns has found himself at the forefront for the lack of success the Mets are having after signing Bo Bichette in the offseason, and letting beloved first baseman Pete Alonso, walk in the offseason.
Alonso is now with the Baltimore Orioles. The Polar Bear is having himself an okay season with the 17-21 Orioles, but still has some unresolved feelings towards the Mets’ organization.
Getty Images
Pete Alonso Makes a Jab at David Stearns During Contract Negotiations in 2024
In 2024, after the worst season of Pete Alonso’s career, the first baseman was seeking a big contract with the New York Mets.
MLB insider and New York Post writer Jon Heyman, talked to Alonso about the negotiations two years ago, and how he managed to remain a Met despite David Stearns and Steve Cohen’s reluctancy.
“Alonso wasn’t loving how negotiations were going, but he was on his home turf at his Tampa club meeting with owner Steve Cohen and baseball president David Stearns, and he didn’t hold back,” Heyman wrote.
Swinging for the fences, Alonso told Stearns, “When my career is being evaluated for the Hall of Fame years from now,
“When my career is being evaluated for the Hall of Fame years from now, you’ll still be fiddling with your [flipping] formulas,” Alonso said to Stearns.
Alonso’s statement was awfully bold considering the previous season he batted .217 with an OPS of .822. However, Alonso’s confidence got him a two-year, $54 million contract for his final two seasons with the Mets.
While this new development in the relationship between Alonso and Stearns signals some hostility from the first baseman, he has spoken about the Mets before showing no signs of bitterness.
“I can’t look back and be disgruntled,” Alonso in an article with the New York Post. “I have some of the best memories wearing that uniform, being in the locker room with those guys. I have friends for life and people who have really made a positive impact on my life. It’s time to go. It’s fine.”
Alonso makes his return to Citi Field on September 14, when the Orioles take on the Mets in a three-game series. Will Alonso be showered with cheers from Mets fans and members of the organization? Or will it serve a gentle reminder as to why he left?
Getty
Pete Alonso’s Time With the Baltimore Orioles
Ahead of the 2026 MLB season, Pete Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, officially saying goodbye to the New York Mets.
In his first season with the Orioles, Alonso’s splits are .225/.329/.444, with an OPS of .773. The first baseman has also knocked in 21 RBIs, seven home runs, and ten doubles.
On Wednesday, Alonso hit a three-run home run in the Orioles 7-4 win over the Miami Marlins. He then stayed 50 minutes after the game concluded to get extra work in the batting cage.
The following game however, did not have the same result for Alonso. In fact, the first baseman is partially to blame for the Marlins’ game winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
While third baseman Cody Mayo was charged with a throwing error, the ball did ricochet off Alonso’s glove, allowing Joe Mack to score easily.
Alonso’s performance in the Orioles’ loss stirred up some discourse from some seemingly bitter Mets’ fans.
Pete Alonso’s Bold David Stearns Comment Resurfaces After Mets Exit