Is Pete Alonso distracted by possible end of Mets career?

With the All-Star Game in the rearview mirror and MLB teams preparing for the stretch run of the 2024 season, the possibility that All-Star Pete Alonso is playing out the end of his Mets career is coming into focus. Is it something that is weighing on the slugger's mind?

"That hasn’t crossed my mind at all," Alonso told SNY’s Michelle Margaux after the game, via Phillip Martinez . "I still think of New York as home. For me, I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win. I love this group, this organization and the city, it’s really near and dear to my heart. I love everything about it and I’m just focused on winning games."

Alonso previously discussed possibly building a legacy as an all-time Mets great, and he'll begin the second half of this season trailing Darryl Strawberry (252) by 41 home runs for the franchise record in that category. However, Alonso remains on track to reach free agency this fall and was the subject of numerous trade rumors until the Mets enjoyed a resurgence en route to entering the All-Star break in possession of a National League wild-card spot.

Alonso insisted he doesn't "want to get traded" with the Mets in contention for a postseason berth. There's no indication that owner Steve Cohen will let president of baseball operations David Stearns make Alonso available to other clubs before the July 30 trade deadline unless the Mets suffer a brutal collapse over the next couple of weeks.

"I just want to continue to help the team win any way I can," Alonso said. "Whether that means offensively, on the basepaths, defensively or just bringing good energy. I just want to do everything I can to help this team win. I know we have a playoff spot right now but there’s a lot of work to be done. I’m really excited for the challenge at hand."

Scouts suggested that Alonso was "definitely pressing" throughout the opening half of the season for reasons related to his desire for a big payday. Assuming he stays put through the final Tuesday of July, he'll have numerous opportunities to prove his long-term worth to the Mets.