Alonso Returns to Citi Field as Mets Eliminated From Playoff Contention

Pete Alonso returned to Citi Field as a visiting player for the first time, receiving a warm reception from New York Mets fans during the Baltimore Orioles' series that officially eliminated the Mets from playoff contention. The former Mets slugger, who spent seven seasons with the franchise and became its all-time home run leader, was greeted with standing ovations and chants of his name during his first at-bat on Monday night. The Mets played a nearly two-minute tribute video for Alonso before the first pitch of the series opener. Fans wearing his old No. 20 jersey cheered throughout batting practice, and Alonso exchanged greetings with former teammates, coaches, and Mets owner Steve Cohen on the field. Alonso, 31, left the Mets after the 2025 season as a free agent, signing a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore. He told reporters he respected the Mets' decision not to pursue him more aggressively. "I respect their decision and for me, like the guys running the team, it's their prerogative to do whatever they think is best," Alonso said. "Two things can be true at the same time.