Mike Piazza knows a thing or two about being a power-hitting slugger for the Mets, and he hopes to see Pete Alonso continue to carry that torch in Queens.
The Hall of Fame catcher, who was in Brooklyn on Friday to visit New York Engine 280/Ladder 132 as part of a Sept. 11 remembrance, spoke highly of the Mets first baseman as trade rumors swirl about his future in New York.
“Rumors and innuendo is [a] part of the game,” Piazza said. “I think he’s a really great kid, great player. On the business side, he’s gotta work that out on his own and the team and, obviously, I wish him the best. I tell players all the time you’re only worth what you negotiate.”
Alonso’s future with the Mets is seemingly at a crossroads. He has another season before he is set to become a free agent and could negotiate an extension this offseason, but a recent report that detailed a near-trade between the Mets and Brewers at the deadline has fueled speculation that the Mets could revisit a trade this offseason.
The 28-year-old first baseman has been a staple of the Mets’ core since he was NL Rookie of the Year in 2019, belting a rookie record 53 home runs. He is at the doorstep of his third 40-home run, 100-RBI season (entering Friday at 39 home runs and 95 RBI) and is viewed by the fan base as the face of the franchise.
“I hope it’s in New York,” Piazza added. “I believe in my heart it will be, but of course there’s work to be done.”
Alonso is not the only Mets who shares similarities Piazza, but also rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez, who plays the same position as the Met great.
Despite putting on a power display after being called up – belting 21 home runs in his first 79 games - Alvarez finds himself embroiled in a 9-for-60 (.150) slump in August, with his last home run coming on Aug. 1.
“I saw recently he’s having a tough time, and I thought to myself, ‘good,’” Piazza said. “That’s a good thing. Because players need to struggle and go through adversity and need to get out of slumps and get out of difficult times. This is a great time for him to learn and find his way. He looks good behind plate. Seems like the pitchers enjoy throwing to him. I think he has a good future but of course you can’t take things for granted. You always have to work hard, put the time in... he’s going to learn and that’s a good thing. He’s a good kid, seems like he’s working hard and think he has a great future.”
As for the overall future of the Mets, Piazza believes the Mets have the capability to make a quick rebuild.
“They talk about [20]25 but I still believe in this day in age if you can put together a couple of moves in the offseason, solidify some of the weaknesses that the team has, you can be in it next year,” Piazza said. “It’s going to be difficult …at least re-engage the character aspect of the team and how difficult it is to win and hopeful they - they have a good base. They have some good guys. [Francisco] Lindor, Alonso, [Brandon] Nimmo, these are good guys. They know how to win. But it takes a team to win and you need everyone having a good year together.”