Peter Alonso won't be promoted to Mets when rosters expand in September
Mets prospect Peter Alonso celebrates after hitting a two-run homer in the All-Star Futures Game on July 15, in Washington. Credit: Getty Images/Rob Carr
Peter Alonso, the Mets’ 23-year-old slugger who might be the best first-base prospect in baseball, won’t join the Mets when rosters expand next month, assistant general manager John Ricco said. The reason: a lack of available playing time, with Jay Bruce, Dominic Smith and Wilmer Flores vying for reps at first in September.
Ricco also praised Alonso, who entered play Tuesday leading the minors in home runs (33) and RBIs (111). Alonso has slashed .277/.393/.560 while splitting the season between Double-A Binghamton and Las Vegas.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked,” Ricco said.
Alonso's agent, Adam Karon of Sosnick Cobbe & Karon, also pointed that out.
"It is disheartening for Peter after producing a historically great season and exceeding every request from the Mets player development staff,” Karon said in a statement. “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.”
Alonso’s defensive ability is a question mark. Ricco said both the Arizona Fall League and the Mets’ instructional league are options for Alonso in the coming months. Sending a player at Alonso’s age and stage to the instructional league is an unusual step and would speak to where he is defensively as a first baseman.
