Alonso’s Resurgence and Other MLB Musings

Pete Alonso is silencing doubters and fueling the New York Mets’ success, leading the NL in several offensive categories. After a winter of uncertainty and a relatively down year in 2023, Alonso has emerged as an MVP candidate. He is hitting .324 with a .443 on-base percentage, leading the NL. He also has nine home runs and is tied for the MLB lead with 34 RBIs and 24 extra-base hits.

Alonso’s improved performance has been attributed to several factors, including a private meeting with Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns before spring training. This meeting helped to solidify Alonso’s commitment to the team and alleviate any concerns he had about his future in New York. While he didn’t receive the long-term deal he desired, he settled for a two-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out clause after this season.

Alonso also cites the positive team culture, his strong relationships with teammates, coaches, and fans, and the opportunity to play for a winning organization as reasons for his return to the Mets. He is particularly excited about playing alongside new addition Juan Soto, believing that Soto’s on-base ability will create more opportunities for him to drive in runs.

Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, emphasizes that first basemen in their 30s can still be highly valuable, pointing to Freddie Freeman as an example. Freeman, who will turn 36 in September, has enjoyed some of his best seasons since turning 30.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has noticed a significant change in Alonso’s approach at the plate. He now sees Alonso as a high-average hitter with power, rather than just a power hitter. Alonso is consistently in his mechanics, exhibiting good body control, and making effective pitch-to-pitch adjustments.

The Mets, riding Alonso’s hot start, are in first place in the NL East.

Red Sox Communication Breakdown

Meanwhile, in Boston, there are reports of communication issues between the Red Sox and Rafael Devers regarding a potential position change. The Red Sox GM, Craig Breslow, is seemingly struggling to convince Devers to move to first base, after already moving him from third base to designated hitter. Devers’ apparent unwillingness to switch positions could lead to a trade request in the offseason.

White Sox Open to Trading Luis Robert

The Chicago White Sox are reportedly receiving inquiries about center fielder Luis Robert, with the New York Mets among the teams showing interest. The White Sox are said to be targeting Mets pitching prospect Blake Tidwell in a potential trade package.

Dodgers Eye Kyle Tucker

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to pursue Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency this winter. While they may not be the highest bidder, they will likely keep other teams honest in the bidding process.

Relief Pitcher Market Heating Up

Contending teams have already begun scouting for potential relief pitchers, anticipating a seller’s market due to the limited number of high-quality relievers available.

Arenado Trade Prospects Dim

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is not generating much trade interest after rejecting potential deals with the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels this winter.

Dodgers’ Lavish Spending

The Dodgers are reportedly the first team to use two planes for all of their road trips, one exclusively for players, at a cost of at least $6 million.

Pirates’ Profitability Under Scrutiny

The Pittsburgh Pirates are allegedly one of the most profitable teams in baseball, stashing revenue sharing money instead of investing in the team.

Ohtani’s Delayed Return to the Mound

The Dodgers are holding back Shohei Ohtani from pitching until after the All-Star break, prioritizing his health and MVP-caliber performance at the plate.

Cubs’ Pope Mishap

The Chicago Cubs mistakenly announced on their marquee that the new Pope is a Cubs fan, only for his brother to reveal that he is actually a White Sox fan.

Rockies’ Dismal Season

The Colorado Rockies are off to a historically bad start, potentially threatening the White Sox’s record for losses in a season. They entered Saturday with a 6-32 record and are on pace to go 25-137.

Scoring Trends

There are concerns about the generosity of official scoring at ballparks, with more plays being ruled hits and fewer errors being charged.

Pirates’ New Manager

Diamondbacks bench coach Jeff Bannister is thrilled for Don Kelly, a Pittsburgh native, who was named the Pirates’ new manager.

Dodgers’ Pitching Strategy

The Dodgers have used an unusually high number of starters this season and are adjusting their pitching strategy to shift the workload from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

Diamondbacks’ Free Agent Pitching Woes

The Diamondbacks’ recent track record of signing front-line free agent starters has been unsuccessful.

Cardinals’ Surprising Success

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol has led the team to a winning record despite expectations of a rebuild.

Royals’ Hot Streak

The Kansas City Royals have won 16 of their last 18 games, their best stretch in 47 years.

Rangers’ Offensive Struggles

The Texas Rangers’ offense has struggled this season, losing a significant number of games despite allowing three or fewer runs.

Skubal’s Dominance

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal continues to improve, boasting an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Rays’ Home Field Disadvantage

The Tampa Bay Rays love their clubhouse but are struggling at home, with the most home losses in baseball.

Baez’s Revival

Detroit Tigers outfielder Javy Baez has turned his season around, embracing a position switch and improving his offensive performance.

Diamondbacks’ Unlucky Losses

The Diamondbacks have experienced several improbable losses despite scoring a high number of runs.

Sugano’s Impact on the Orioles

Tomoyuki Sugano has been a valuable addition to the Baltimore Orioles’ pitching staff.

Muncy’s Plea for Respect

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy addresses the issue of social media abuse directed at players and their families.

Tigers’ Potential

The Detroit Tigers are showing signs of being a top team in the American League.

Carroll’s Improved Arm

Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll has significantly improved his arm strength, making him a more well-rounded player.

Brewers’ Comeback Struggles

The Milwaukee Brewers are struggling to mount comeback victories this season.

NL West Showdown

The NL West is shaping up to be a competitive division, with several teams on pace to win 100 games.

Grisham’s Resurgence

Trent Grisham, who the Padres insisted the Yankees take in the Juan Soto trade, is having a productive season.

Hawkins’ Academic Achievement

Former MLB player LaTroy Hawkins earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, fulfilling a promise to his grandmother.