The recent departure of former New York Mets manager Buck Showalter ruffled the feathers of star slugger Pete Alonso and almost caused a stir within the organization.
Pete Alonso Almost Bumped Heads With Mets Owner Steve Cohen
New York Post reporter Mike Puma tweeted about the extent of Alonso’s dissatisfaction with Showalter’s firing back on Oct. 1:
The 28-year-old star has not been known to sow dissent within the Mets ranks. However, his willingness to confront Cohen about the decision likely raised alarm bells, especially with Alonso being arbitration-eligible and approaching free agency in the winter of 2024.
Alonso had reason to be drawn to Showalter. Since entering the MLB in 2019, Alonso had failed to reach the playoffs with New York until Showalter’s arrival. Further, Showalter coached the Mets to 101 wins in 2022 and helped them see a complete turnaround in the win-loss column.
- Mets decline $7.75 million club option for bullpen arm
- Mets analyst doesn’t think the team should be all-in on superstar free agent
- Mets sign interesting right-handed pitcher to major league deal
Showalter’s Guidance on and Off the Field Resonated With Alonso
Alonso spoke to the media on the heels of Showalter’s firing and raved about the multi-layered coaching style that impacted him as a player and a person:
“I mean, I was really, really upset. I mean, he’s an unbelievable manager. I think he’s a great mentor and I think that he does a great job of understanding his personnel. Not just their talents and what they do day-to-day on the field, but I think that he understands how each guy ticks on the roster as an individual.”
For his inability to take the Mets back to the postseason, Showalter’s 75 wins this past year was the major deciding factor in the front office letting him go.
Cohen and his staff are now tasked with finding a manager who can help the Mets turn around in 2024. Alonso described Showalter as a ‘Hall of Fame’ manager, and a coach of his caliber will likely be needed to appease the Mets’ franchise player.
