Mets slugger Pete Alonso has a chance to rewrite the narrative against him in Atlanta

Sep 3, 2024; New York City, New York, USA;  New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sep 3, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Mets enter the final day of the 2024 regular season with their season riding on the line in a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, in which just one victory could result in the Mets playing postseason baseball. One player that the Mets obviously will need a big day from is first baseman Pete Alonso who may be entering his final day in a New York Mets uniform.

Alonso has been one of the more likable Mets throughout his tenure in Queens. He has climbed the franchise's individual record book and has become a national star with his Home Run Derby performances. However, his recent offensive performances during the Mets' most important stretch run in quite some time have many fans changing their tune about bringing the star first baseman back next season, with many believing he isn't a player the Mets can count on in big situations.

Pete Alonso could change many Mets fan's opinion of his ability to show up in big games with a big offensive day on Monday.

Over his last seven games, Alonso is a collective 2-22 with 10 strikeouts and no home runs while continuing to hit in the middle of the Mets order. Those numbers equate to a batting average of .091 for a team that is heavily counting on his power in the middle of the lineup and it's hard to not believe he is currently pressing.

J.D. Martinez who has been in an eerily similar slump broke out of it with two hits on Sunday afternoon, and Alonso could certainly use a similar performance, if not better on Monday and potentially beyond. Plain and simple, the Mets need Alonso to produce, and he just simply has not over the last week or so.

Alonso certainly has a chance to define his legacy in a Mets uniform by putting on an offensive show in game 161 and game 162, if needed, and helping carry a ballclub that was dead in the water back in May, to one of the most unlikely playoff runs in franchise history. Carrying that momentum into the postseason would also leave a lasting impression on Alonso's legacy as Met, as well as turn the tide in terms of many Mets fans' current feelings about him in terms of their stance on the front office bringing him back long-term.

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