Pete Alonso set for another Home Run Derby with history at stake: ‘Doesn’t get old’

Pete Alonso heads off to Texas now, an All-Star for the fourth time in his career, while seeking to become only the second player in history to win a third Home Run Derby title.

Alonso, who blasted his team-best 19th homer of the season in the Mets’ 8-5 loss Sunday to the Rockies, won the long-ball competition in 2019 and 2021, with none held the year in between due to COVID.

Only Ken Griffey Jr. — in 1994, 1998 and 1999 — has captured that trophy three times since its inception in 1984.

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“It doesn’t get old, going, it’s equally as exciting, and it’s really special to me,” said Alonso, who also participated but fell short in both 2022 and 2023. “I’m really happy to represent this team and this organization and doing the Derby again, I’m really looking forward to it.

“Every year that I’ve done it, it’s just been a continuation of a childhood dream that’s come to a reality. I’m really looking forward to competing.”

No other Mets were selected to the National League squad, but teammate Jose Iglesias will perform his hit song “OMG” at Monday’s festivities.

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“Any time we hear the song, ‘Oh My God,’ we love hearing it. There’s always a ton of homers,” Alonso said. “So I’m excited for him to perform, it’s great for him. It’s going to be really exciting to have him there.”

Carlos Mendoza described Starling Marte’s recovery from the bruised right knee that has sidelined him since June 22 as going “slow, still.”

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“The imaging showed there’s improvement, and he’s recovering, but I think he’s taking a little slower pace here,” Mendoza said. “We’re not sure when he will be back, we just want to make sure he’s pain-free when he’s doing all the activity that he’s doing.”

Reliever Sean Reid-Foley (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday and will throw another Tuesday in Florida, with the possibility of facing hitters in live batting practice on Friday, Mendoza said.

The Mets optioned reliever Eric Orze to Triple-A Syracuse with David Peterson returning from the paternity list.

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