Former teammate has theory about struggles of Mets' Pete Alonso

Scouts and analysts have repeatedly suggested the at-the-plate struggles endured by New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso throughout 2024 are related to the fact that he's pressing while in the final year of his contract.

Former Mets outfielder Tommy Pham, currently of the St. Louis Cardinals, shared a different theory when asked about Alonso's woes during a recent edition of "The Show" podcast.

"The balls aren’t going this year," Pham explained, per Jimmy Hascup of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "It’s really affected me. I thought the White Sox, the ball in Chicago was deader than on the road, and I complained to MLB about that. It, of course, got nowhere. But, I just think the ball ain't flying, but it has nothing to do with exit velocity."

It was back in the spring of 2022 when individuals within the Mets were among MLB players who complained about pitchers not being able to adequately grip baseballs. However, current Mets players didn't blame any equipment as the club fell to 22-33 in late May before it enjoyed a summer resurgence.

Alonso batted .242 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI across his first 114 games of the season. As Hascup noted, the popular "Polar Bear" is on pace to hit the fewest homers he's slugged over a full campaign (not counting the pandemic-shortened 2020 season).

Alonso remains on track to reach free agency this fall amid whispers hinting the Mets could let him test the open market and then heavily pursue New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto. Pham nevertheless thinks Alonso's uncertain future isn't all that's negatively impacting the slugger this summer.

"I know what it feels like 110 (mph) off the bat versus not," Pham continued. "I’m figuring out balls this year that on board it says 98 (mph) and I’m like there’s no way, that’s at least 105, so you know, maybe that’s happening over there with Pete. Maybe he’s hitting balls that might feel like 110-115 (mph) and it’s only 105 (mph). The balls feel really soft this year. I have some. I’ve kept some."

The 60-54 Mets likely will need Alonso to make whatever adjustments are necessary to reclaim his best offensive form if the club is to do more than simply be part of playoff conversations through the middle of September. New York headed into the Thursday afternoon matchup at the Colorado Rockies (42-73) trailing the Atlanta Braves by half a game in the battle for a National League wild-card postseason berth.