Furious Chris Russo Erupts in Mad Dog Rant over Pete Alonso’s Mets Home Run Milestone

The question of whether personal milestones should be celebrated in MLB is hardly new. But it’s one that always seems to resurface when the context is complicated. In a sport built on individual statistics yet defined by team success, moments of personal glory can sometimes clash with the collective mood, especially when the team is struggling. And that tension was on full display in Queens this week, when Pete Alonso carved out his own place in Mets history.

Well, on Tuesday night, in a commanding 13-5 victory over the division-rival Braves, Alonso launched his 253rd career home run. Thus eclipsing Darryl Strawberry to become the franchise’s all-time leader. It was a milestone years in the making, a feat celebrated on the field and in the dugout, with Mets players and fans savoring the achievement. Yet the applause didn’t land the same for everyone. The Mets, after all, have dropped 31 of their last 50 games. They plummeted in the standings and fell far behind the Phillies in the National League East. Against that backdrop, some wondered if such a celebration was tone-deaf.

ESPN personality Chris Russo went so far as to question the relevance of honoring individual triumphs when the season as a whole is spiraling.

“I cannot believe the big deal people are making about Pete Alonso being the franchise record-holder now for home runs. He passed Daryl Strawberrry last night,” said Russo, launching into his rant on Wednesday’s episode of First Take. “Nobody in Metsville that I know, and I know a lot of Mets fans, after a stretch in which they’ve lost 11 of 12, and have allowed the Phillies to bury them in the NL East. Now we’re gonna make a big deal about Alonso’s home run?“

So, former WFAN host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo didn’t hold back. Even after Pete Alonso broke Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record. According to him, the Mets got no point in making a big deal out of one player’s milestone while the team as a whole is struggling. He even wondered what the Mets’ real goals are right now. And whether they’re actually serious about making a postseason push.

And on top of that, it’s a bit strange that the Mets are throwing a big celebration for Alonso’s record. Because they haven’t made any real effort to lock him up long-term. Reportedly, Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million deal last offseason, but there’s an opt-out after this year. And with the numbers he’s putting up, he’ll almost certainly use it. Russo said part of his frustration comes from the fact that the Mets didn’t seem eager to re-sign him during their last round of talks. Now, that surely makes sense to get mad about!

Alonso is too good for the Mets to let go

“He’s gonna be the reason why they win a championship in New York if they ever do.” MLB legend Gary Sheffield offered a bold projection.

Well, Sheffield knows just how hard it is to win a World Series. And how much tougher it could be for the Mets if their franchise cornerstone walks away. Although Sheffield only spent one season with the Mets, he understands the passion of Mets fans for another title. So, losing a homegrown star and all-time home run leader like Alonso would make that dream a lot harder to chase.

Alonso has worn a Mets uniform his entire career and has never hidden his love for the team. Still, if the Mets fall short of a championship this year, it’ll be on the front office to make sure he’s still in Queens to help bring one home in the future. But the real question is — what does Alonso himself think about staying with the Mets?

“I love this fanbase. It’s been great. The business is the business side, if they choose to go in another direction. For me, it’s been an absolute treat and pleasure here.” Alonso shared his honest take about his future stint with the Mets.

So, Alonso had nothing but good things to say about the Mets’ roster and the people in the organization. Thus, making it pretty clear he’d love to stay in Queens — maybe even finish his career there. But now it’s up to Steve Cohen and David Stearns to decide if they’re willing to hand a long-term deal to a player who’s already 30.

With no concrete information available on the Mets finalizing with Alonso, the fans still need to test their patience for now!