Pete Alonso immediately responds to the dumbest NY Mets controversy of the MLB season

The New York Mets have started the season on the right foot, showcasing stellar performances from their starting pitching staff and a reliable bullpen. While the offense has experienced its ebbs and flows, Pete Alonso has emerged as a consistent powerhouse in run production, currently leading the National League in OPS.

In the wake of an exclusive New York Post story featuring Juan Soto's candid remarks about adjusting to life with the Mets, a supposed lack of lineup protection compared to his time with the Yankees has become a major talking point. Soto admitted that opposing pitchers have approached him differently this season without "the best hitter in baseball" batting behind him.

Pete Alonso's power surge proves Mets lineup depth after Juan Soto stir

These comments, while perhaps truthful in their assessment of how pitchers might approach Soto without Aaron Judge looming, ignited a wave of arguably misguided speculation among fans suggesting Soto harbors regrets about joining the Mets and diminishes Alonso's offensive prowess. Nothing could be further from the truth and more out of context.

Aaron Judge is undeniably one of the premier hitters of this generation, and it was logical to anticipate pitchers being more cautious when facing Soto without Judge batting behind him. According to Fangraphs, Soto has indeed seen fewer pitches in the strike zone and the lowest first-pitch strike percentage of his career.

However, this doesn't imply any discomfort with Alonso in the lineup. In fact, Soto was reportedly a strong advocate for the Mets to re-sign "The Polar Bear" in the first place.

Pete Alonso responded to this manufactured controversy in the most emphatic way possible. In the very next game after the Soto quotes went viral, Alonso silenced any doubters by crushing a home run against the Minnesota Twins, making a resounding statement about the significant protection and run support he provides batting behind Soto.

Alonso has been capitalizing on opportunities when opponents elect to pitch to him rather than navigating the dangerous presence of Soto. His stellar performance thus far this season will undoubtedly force teams to afford him greater respect at the plate.

This increased respect for Alonso will, in turn, likely lead to Soto seeing more pitches within the strike zone and overall better pitches to hit, potentially creating an environment quite similar to what he experienced batting in front of Judge with the Yankees.