Pete Alonso Ties Darryl Strawberry for Mets’ HR Record: Will He Break It?

By Oliver Wiener August 12, 2025 07:51

On August 9, 2025, Pete Alonso etched his name in New York Mets history by hitting his 252nd career home run, tying the franchise record held by Darryl Strawberry for more than three decades. Alonso’s milestone came in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field, marking a defining moment for the Mets’ power hitter and the franchise alike.

Alonso’s home run a towering 413-foot blast to left-center came in the second inning off Brewers starter Tobias Myers. It was his 26th homer of the season and his fourth in just eight games, ending a recent hitless streak. The blast gave the Mets an early 1-0 lead, lighting up the stadium and providing fans a glimpse of Alonso’s formidable power. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised the significance of the feat, saying, “How many great players have put on this uniform? For Pete to be able to tie it, it’s something special for him and for all of us. We’re proud of him”.

Alonso, who debuted with the Mets in 2019, quickly made a name for himself by setting a major league rookie record with 53 home runs, a figure that remains the franchise’s single-season rookie high. Nicknamed "The Polar Bear," he is a five-time All-Star and one of the most consistent sluggers in the league. Since breaking into the majors, Alonso has hit 40 or more homers in two other seasons, showcasing his blend of power and consistency.

Darryl Strawberry, who held the Mets' career home run record with 252 homers over eight seasons from 1983 to 1990, has been vocally supportive of Alonso. After Alonso’s record-tying homer, Strawberry sent his congratulations in a text, “Congratulations Pete,” with emojis expressing his excitement. Strawberry’s endorsement and encouragement lend a sense of passing the torch from one Mets legend to another.

Alonso’s bid to break the record has become a focal point for Mets fans and analysts. Having reached this milestone in roughly 150 fewer games than Strawberry, Alonso’s pace demonstrates his dominance as a power hitter. Beyond home runs, Alonso is also closing in on franchise RBI records, currently held by David Wright (970 RBIs) and Strawberry (733 RBIs), with Alonso ranking third at 702 RBIs.

Contractually, Alonso remains a key figure for the Mets. After a protracted negotiation, he signed a two-year, $54 million deal in February 2025, which includes a $24 million player opt-out clause likely to be exercised if his milestone-breaking season continues as expected. His potent bat is critical to the Mets’ postseason ambitions, particularly amid a demanding playoff race.

Teammates and opponents alike recognize Alonso’s value and impact. Francisco Lindor, enjoying the moment alongside his teammate, expressed admiration: “He ranks among the top power hitters in this organization and in the league. His daily performance is impressive, and I’m incredibly proud of him”. Manager Mendoza highlighted the importance of Alonso as a foundational piece for the team’s future.

As Alonso stands poised to break Darryl Strawberry’s long-standing franchise record, the question on everyone’s mind is when and how he will surpass 252 home runs to claim the Mets’ sole top spot. Given Alonso’s form, power, and competitive drive, it appears only a matter of time before he not only breaks the record but also continues to write his own lasting legacy in Mets history.

With every swing, Alonso reaffirms why he belongs in the pantheon of Mets legends, thrilling fans and inspiring his teammates along the way. The next chapter awaits, and the baseball world is watching closely as "The Polar Bear" claws toward his new pinnacle.