Stephen A. Smith was once again at the center of the sporting debate this week after making a factual error when analyzing Pete Alonso’s departure from the New York Mets. The ESPN star commentator was highly critical of the franchise for not retaining the five-time All-Star, but a misguided claim about the slugger’s career ended up sparking outrage from baseball fans.
Stephen A. Smith questions Mets for letting Alonso go
The controversy arose after the Baltimore Orioles signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract, a deal widely considered deserved after his 2025 season: .272 average, 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. For Smith, New York’s decision not to match such an offer is a sign of competitive surrender.
“They’re letting their closer Edwin Diaz go. They tried to sign Kyle Schwarber… The Mets offered him three years and $120 million. And then they let Pete Alonso go, who played the 162 games and produced 38 HR and 126 RBIs,” Smith said on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
His words fueled the debate about the Mets’ front office priorities, especially after the departure of other key pieces in the offseason.
The error about the 2020 season unleashes criticism
However, the most talked-about moment of the segment came when Smith tried to go over Alonso’s career. He claimed that the slugger “got injured in his second year and only played 57 games”. The statement quickly went viral.
The reality is that the 2020 season was reduced to 60 games due to the pandemic, affecting all MLB players. Alonso played in 57 of those 60 games, unrelated to injury. This detail, widely known among fans, made Smith’s comment the subject of ridicule and criticism.
“Stephen A. never bothered to learn anything about baseball,” one fan wrote on social media. Others were harsher, calling for him to be banned from talking about the sport. “He really doesn’t do his homework,” claimed another follower, while some called his interventions “a show for likes.”
The debate over its role in MLB coverage continues
Smith’s presence in baseball analysis has always generated divided opinions. His upfront style and prominence on ESPN has made him a dominant figure in sports discussion, but also a recurring target of criticism when he addresses sports that are not his primary specialty.
With a winter full of big signings in MLB, many fans hope Smith will keep his distance. Even so, any comment he makes – right or wrong – will continue to generate noise in the baseball conversation.
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