The New York Mets announced on Tuesday that prospect Peter Alonso won’t be called up to the majors in 2018.
New York Mets fans hoping to see the debut of highly regarded first base prospect Peter Alonso when the rosters expand on Sept. 1, will be disappointed.
The team made the announcement Tuesday afternoon during a teleconference with the Media.
Assistant general manager John Ricco shot down any speculation of a promotion. The Mets have other players they’d like to see in the lineup.
The trio of Jay Bruce, Wilmer Flores, and Jay Bruce will man first base through the end of the year. There isn’t enough room to give Alonso quality major league playing time.
“He’s had an unbelievable season and done all that we asked. But we see it as a lack of playing time being a big factor,” Ricco said. “To have him come up and sit on the bench didn’t make much sense. Better to get him some rest.”
According to the New York Daily News, two sources within the New York Mets organization told them that the team is highly concerned with Alonso’s defensive play. In their minds, he’s not ready to be promoted.
Expect him to spend quality time in the Arizona Fall League and spring training working on that part of his game.
Defense or not, Alonso has been tearing up the minor leagues at the plate this year. The 23-year-old former second-round draft pick (2016) has hit .277.
It’s his power display that’s captured New York Mets fans imaginations. He’s belted 33 home runs and driven in 111 runs to go along with a .953 OPS over 125 combined games at AA and AAA.
