Coming off of a 2018 season that saw him hit .285/.395/.579 with 36 home runs and get named the Mets’ top prospect, Pete Alonso made the Mets’ opening day roster, beating out his competitors for the right to be called the teams’ starting first baseman. Even those of us who have followed Alonso since he was drafted could not have foreseen the season he would have, hitting .260/.358/.583, being named National League Rookie of the Year, and setting the major league record for most home runs hit by a rookie, 53. While his 2019 season may in theory be a high-water mark he will never reach again, his ability to actualize his raw power into in-game power should make him a fixture at first base for years.
State of the System 2020: First Base
