Pete Alonso Breaks Mets’ All-Time Home Run Record

NEW YORK — Pete Alonso is, statistically, the most productive home run hitter the Mets have ever employed.

Alonso hit his 253rd career homer on Tuesday, moving past Darryl Strawberry for the most in franchise history. After tying Strawberry atop New York’s home run list Saturday in Milwaukee, Alonso took sole possession of first place in front of his home fans at Citi Field with a two-run shot off Spencer Strider in the third inning to give New York a 5-1 lead.

That Alonso broke the record in 965 career games — 141 fewer than Strawberry — is a testament to his power-hitting prowess. Outside of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, he has bashed at least 34 homers every year and is on pace to do so again this season.

It’s also a testament to Alonso’s longevity with the team and his ability to stay healthy. He is the Mets’ all-time leader in consecutive games played and has appeared in more than 97 percent of their games since his 2019 debut. Alonso could have departed after last season, but he returned on a two-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out after 2025. That gave him a prime opportunity to break Strawberry’s record.

Alonso now has a chance to push it well out of reach for future generations — provided he sticks around Flushing long term. As far as franchise home run marks go, the new record of 253 is not particularly steep. Only the Diamondbacks and Padres have lower totals.

Yet before Alonso, few players threatened Strawberry’s mark, in large part because almost no one spent enough time in Queens to do it. The highest-profile exception, David Wright, was on pace to pass Strawberry before back, neck and shoulder injuries cut short his career. Wright finished with 242 homers, good for third place on the Mets’ list. Others, including Mike Piazza and Carlos Beltrán, spent more than half their careers elsewhere.

Alonso’s decision to re-sign made him an exception, allowing him to become the Mets’ home run king.