Mets icon David Wright recently offered some insightful words to free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, encouraging him to consider the value of loyalty to the team that nurtured his career. Wright, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the unique sense of pride that comes with playing for the organization that drafted and developed a player.

However, Wright, a seven-time All-Star who dedicated his entire 15-year career (2004-2018) to the Mets, also acknowledged the importance of maximizing earning potential in professional sports. He stated that he would never criticize a player for pursuing the best financial opportunity. The Mets recently announced that Wright's number 5 will be retired on July 19th, a testament to his enduring legacy with the team.

Alonso, a four-time All-Star and two-time Home Run Derby champion, has been a cornerstone of the Mets' lineup since his Rookie of the Year season in 2019. At 30, he boasts an impressive power-hitting record, trailing only Aaron Judge in home runs since his debut (226 to Judge's 232). His durability is also notable, having played every game last season, hitting .240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, followed by a strong postseason performance (.273 average, 4 home runs).

The market for first basemen has become increasingly competitive, with several teams making significant acquisitions. The Yankees secured Paul Goldschmidt, the Astros signed Christian Walker, the Nationals traded for Nathaniel Lowe, the Diamondbacks acquired Josh Naylor, and the Guardians brought in Carlos Santana. If Alonso chooses to remain with the Mets, he has the opportunity to surpass Darryl Strawberry as the franchise's all-time home run leader, needing only 26 more to achieve this milestone.