5 upcoming Mets free agents helping their offseason stock with a strong September

5) Pete Alonso

We can’t forget the big guy. Under a microscope for much of the season, the man couldn’t breathe without a reference to his performance with runners in scoring position. Undoubtedly the biggest turnoff when it comes to a reunion with Pete Alonso, his strong September performance should at least even things out a little more when it comes to any future negotiations he has with the Mets or anyone else.

Alonso remains a polarizing figure in New York sports. That’s what power hitters are in this sport. Add in being homegrown, candid, and uniquely talented within the scope of the franchise’s history because of his power, it’s easy to understand why fans have strong opinions in either direction for the slugging first baseman.

Alonso has quietly put together a solid September batting .262/.388/.477. His 16 hits are second on the team to Iglesias. His 4 home runs trail only Francisco Alvarez who is paying homage to the Atlanta Braves by tomahawking baseballs over the outfield wall. Perhaps that’s an early troll for later this week.

Nobody needed a strong end to their free agent season than Alonso. He had the most to lose this year. While probably already headed toward earning a little less money than originally thought, a powerful and productive conclusion to the regular season with him as a focus of the Mets’ success will inevitably help add a few million more to his free agent deal.