Source's take on how NY Mets fans treated Jonah Tong shows lingering reality of Pete Alonso situation

New York Mets top prospect Jonah Tong threw six innings and didn't allow an earned run on Monday night against the Baltimore Orioles. But his stellar outing was overshadowed by franchise great Pete Alonso's return to Citi Field.

In the top of the third inning, a bizarre occurrence played out. Fans cheered as Alonso nearly crushed his 300th career home run off Tong. The ball instead went foul to the fans' dismay before the at-bat ended in a walk. And what followed was even more shocking: a showering of boos towards Tong, their own pitcher.

A Mets source weighs in on the Pete Alonso, Jonah Tong situation

One source close to the situation spoke to FanSided about the decision by Mets fans to boo Tong the other night.

"The Mets have an unbelievable and passionate fan base," the source said. "Pete is an unbelievable player who deserves whatever they feel is warranted to thank him for nearly 10 seasons there. With that being said, a home-team pitcher uses and feeds off a crowd's energy."

Tong is also just 23-years-old and is building his confidence at the big league level. After dominating the minor leagues in 2025, Tong had an up and down year in Triple-A this season. However, he pitched much better in his final four starts in the minors and has looked solid in two starts since being recalled to the major leagues.

"(Fans) paid for a ticket, so if you wish to cheer for the opposing team, I guess that’s your choice," the source continued. "I think anyone would be surprised by the logic of wanting your own player to fail so an opposing player can succeed. Definitely (a) unique situation."

Mets de facto captain Francisco Lindor commented after Monday's game as well. "Next time, let's clap a little bit more for him," Lindor said of Tong.

It got worse

Last night, things came boiling to a head. Alonso smacked his 300th career home run off Kodai Senga to tie the game in the ninth inning. Fans of course cheered for the franchise's homer king, who spent the last seven seasons in Queens.

This frustrated players, including one of the Mets' clubhouse leaders in pitcher Sean Manaea.

"I love him to death, but as the 2026 Mets - I know we've definitely underperformed - the guys in here work their ass off every single day. To have that reaction to an opposing player is crazy to me," Manaea said of the fans cheering for Alonso.

The reaction from Mets' fans towards Alonso during this series only further amplifies the reality of their displeasure for letting the "polar bear" walk in free agency. They shouldn't have booed Tong, a potential future key piece of the rotation, but the anger has been brewing all year since Alonso left for Baltimore and wasn't properly replaced.

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