Hours after the Mets announced he would not be called up to the big leagues this season, prospect Peter Alonso called the news "disheartening and disappointing."
"I'm not going to lie, it's really disheartening and disappointing, because one of the things that people tell you is as long as you are successful, you're going to be in the big leagues," Alonso said, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "It's just one of those things where I understand it's an organizational decision, and at the end of the day, I have to respect that. But it's really disheartening because I feel like I've performed, and am deserving of a reward.
John Ricco cited playing time as a reason why Alonso would be better off remaining in the minors this season. "To have Pete come up and really just sit didn't make a lot of sense," he said. Earlier this month, Ricco hinted earlier this month that Alonso's defense was another factor preventing a late-season call-up.
Alonso's agents, Adam Karon and Tripper Johnson of SCK Sports, also used the word "disheartening" in their comments earlier in the day.
"It is disheartening for Peter after producing an historically great season and exceeding every request from the Mets player development staff," Karon and Johnson said, according to James Wagner. "I'm sure it is equally disheartening for Mets fans who would enjoy watching and getting to know one of the more talented and entertaining players they've developed in years."
The agents' comments drew a response from WFAN's Chris Carlin, who called the statement "REMARKABLY DUMB." Alonso replied to Carlin's comment:
Why is that dumb? They're sticking up for me. That's what they are there for
- Peter Alonso (@PeterAlonso20) August 29, 2018
Alonso "liked" a tweet earlier this month suggesting that keeping him down in Triple-A due to his potential defensive issues wasn't a good reason.
Alonso has produced at the plate all season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas, where he has slashed .277/.393/.560 with 33 homers, 26 doubles, and 111 RBI in 125 games this season.