Pete Alonso’s recent departure from the Mets, signing a five-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, has generated deep discontent among the fans. However, the statements of his former teammate, Juan Soto, suggest that the news was not a surprise to the star outfielder, revealing a level of inside knowledge that could fuel tensions between Soto and the team’s management.
This situation is particularly delicate, given that Soto had openly expressed his desire for Alonso to remain with the team, which now calls into question the management’s ability to retain key talent and build a competitive long-term roster.
Juan Soto talks about Pete Alonso’s departure
Just a few months ago, Soto had openly expressed his desire to keep Alonso on the roster. In November, he described him as “one of the best power hitters of this generation” and expressed hope to “have many more moments together” in a Mets uniform.
Nevertheless, when reacting to Alonso’s departure, Soto admitted that the surprise was minimal: “Before the news came out, we already knew what was going to happen, as I said, I always keep in touch with the team.”
Juan Soto would not be happy with the Mets’ management
Soto was full of praise for his former teammate, calling Alonso a “formidable player” and a “person who cares about his team.” This admiration is more than personal; it also relates to strategic impact. There is no doubt that Alonso’s loss leaves a significant void behind Soto in the lineup.
The way Soto spoke, with foreknowledge and a tone of resignation, adds to an already complex situation. Given rumors of alleged tension between the outfielder and management, the Mets’ inability to retain their all-time home run leader, despite the explicit desire of their star player, could be interpreted as a lack of commitment to the team’s immediate success, complicating Soto’s decision about his long-term future.
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