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Pete Alonso contract sparks backlash as MLB expert reveals Mets' biggest 2025 failure
Pete Alonso contract sparks backlash as MLB expert reveals Mets' biggest 2025 failure

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Time of India

Pete Alonso contract sparks backlash as MLB expert reveals Mets' biggest 2025 failure

Pete Alonso contract sparks backlash as MLB expert reveals Mets' biggest 2025 failure (Image via Getty) Did the Mets drop the ball when re-signing Pete Alonso? After a tense offseason of talks, the star slugger agreed to a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out clause. But one expert says the team showed disrespect by not offering a long-term contract upfront. Now, with Alonso hitting .292, driving 18 homers and adding 65 RBIs by June 27, many wonder if the Mets misjudged his value . Pete Alonso and New York Mets faced 'offseason disrespect' criticism Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly named the Mets' handling of Alonso's deal one of MLB's '10 Biggest Fails' of 2025. Kelly wrote that teams needing power left first base untouched in talks with Alonso, saying it was 'egg on your face' now that he's off to a career year. Alonso hit 34 homers in 2024 with a .788 OPS, showing postseason strength, yet still didn't land a big offer during the offseason. Alonso's current numbers back up Kelly's point: as of June 27, he slashes .292 with a .933 OPS, 18 homers and 65 RBIs, the best of his career. Kelly warned the Mets that once Alonso opts out, he'd likely seek a bigger deal, leaving New York out in the cold. Also Read: Seattle Mariners Star Cal Raleigh Shocks Fans With Home Run Derby Debut And Surprising Role For Dad Todd Raleigh Pete Alonso's strong season supports expert warnings Pete Alonso, age 30, re-signed with the Mets in February on his current deal that runs through 2026 with an opt-out after 2025. Early in 2025, he's already hitting better than ever. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Automation Software Might Help You To Earn More Accounting Automation Software | Search ads Undo He leads the National League in doubles and ranks top five in OPS (.933). This season also saw praise from Mets president David Stearns, who said Alonso's performance was taken 'to another level.' Stearns also noted that contract talks remain off the table . The short-term deal appears to have saved money now, but it may cost in the long run if Alonso leaves and signs a longer deal elsewhere. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh shocks fans with home run derby debut and surprising role for dad Todd Raleigh
Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh shocks fans with home run derby debut and surprising role for dad Todd Raleigh

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Time of India

Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh shocks fans with home run derby debut and surprising role for dad Todd Raleigh

Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh shocks fans with home run derby debut and surprising role for dad Todd Raleigh (Image via Getty) Some exciting news just broke for Seattle Mariners fans and baseball lovers everywhere. Cal Raleigh, nicknamed 'The Big Dumper,' shared big news on social media: he will take part in his first-ever Home Run Derby. With an MVP-level season already underway and his powerful swing making headlines, this announcement adds serious buzz leading into the 2025 All‑Star Weekend in Atlanta. Cal Raleigh's Derby debut family ties and big momentum Cal Raleigh, the 28-year-old catcher for the Seattle Mariners, confirmed on Friday that he will compete in the Home Run Derby on July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta, home to the Atlanta Braves. This season he leads all of MLB with 32 home runs, making him the only player over 30 home runs before the break. Notably, he's the first catcher and first switch-hitter to ever reach this mark. — mlb (@mlb) But what makes this even more personal is that Cal's father, Todd Raleigh, a former college coach, will pitch to him during the event. Cal also hopes his younger brother, Todd Jr., will be on the field to catch him. Cal said, 'It'll be extra special for my family… it'll be easy for them to get to'. Todd Sr. added, 'As a dad, it doesn't get any better than that… it's kind of like one of those Hallmark moments'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Doctor: If You Eat Eggs Every Day, This Is What Happens WellnessGuide Learn more Undo Cal Raleigh's career year and Derby odds This season is already historic for Cal Raleigh. Through 79 games, he is slashing .275/.383/.659 with 69 RBIs, 58 runs, and an MLB-leading home run total. On June 20, he set a record by hitting two home runs in a single game against the Chicago Cubs, making him the catcher with the most homers before the All‑Star break in over 50 years. DraftKings odds now show Raleigh as a top contender to win the Derby, just behind Aaron Judge. He will go up against stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., who announced his own Derby entry this week. Also Read: Seattle Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh Becomes Fastest To Match Ichiro's Home Run Total Mariners fans remember legends like Ken Griffey Jr. winning the Derby three times. Cal now has the chance to be the first catcher and first switch-hitter to win it . With his family beside him and a historic season behind him, this could be a defining moment. The Home Run Derby is set for July 14, and all eyes will be on 'The Big Dumper.' Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Mariners catcher and MLB homer leader Cal Raleigh to participate in Home Run Derby
Mariners catcher and MLB homer leader Cal Raleigh to participate in Home Run Derby

Boston Globe

time6 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Boston Globe

Mariners catcher and MLB homer leader Cal Raleigh to participate in Home Run Derby

'I'm excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase,' Raleigh said in a statement. 'It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid.' No catcher has ever won the Home Run Derby, which began in 1985. Raleigh becomes the eighth Seattle player to compete in the derby, joining Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez along with Jay Buhner, Alex Rodriguez, Bret Boone, Robinson Canó, and current teammate Julio Rodríguez. Griffey won the event in 1994, 1998, and Advertisement Entering Friday, Raleigh was batting .275 with 69 RBIs, 15 doubles, and 47 walks in 79 games.

MLB Reacts to Cal Raleigh Announcement Amid Historic Season
MLB Reacts to Cal Raleigh Announcement Amid Historic Season

Yahoo

time7 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

MLB Reacts to Cal Raleigh Announcement Amid Historic Season

MLB Reacts to Cal Raleigh Announcement Amid Historic Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's been a very up-and-down season for the Seattle Mariners, who currently have a plus 11 run differential and a 41-39 record, putting them in second place in the American League West. Advertisement However, one completely dominant player is Cal Raleigh, as his 32 home runs are the most for a catcher in MLB history before the All-Star break, crushing the previous record holder, Johnny Bench, who had 28 in 1970. Now, his power will be on full display as on Friday, Raleigh announced in an Instagram post that he will be participating in the Home Run Derby, scheduled to take place on July 14. That news quickly caught the attention of MLB, which posted its reaction on X, saying "BIG DUMPER IN THE DERBY." It's certainly a well-deserved honor for Raleigh, as his 32 home runs also lead all of MLB, while the next closest players are New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, who each have 28. Advertisement The home runs aren't his only impressive stat either, as Raleigh's appeared in 79 games, racking up 295 at-bats, 81 hits, 58 runs scored, 69 RBIs and 47 walks while slashing .275/.380/.651 with a 1.031 OPS. Raleigh also advanced to Phase 2 of All-Star voting after leading all AL catchers in votes through Phase 1, which is a big deal considering he's never participated in an All-Star Game before, with this year's set to be played on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) will participate in the Home Run Derby. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images That may not be the only accolade Raleigh takes home this year, though, as ESPN BET currently gives him the second-best odds (+450) to win AL MVP, which is something no member of the Mariners has won since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001. Advertisement Related: Chicago Cubs Reportedly Making Calls to Trade for Former Cy Young Award-Winning Pitcher This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.

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