Darryl Strawberry Criticizes Pete Alonso's Mets Departure

Strawberry says Alonso will 'regret' leaving the Mets for the Orioles

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:04am

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Former Mets star Darryl Strawberry expressed shock and criticism over Pete Alonso's decision to leave the Mets and sign with the Baltimore Orioles, saying Alonso will 'regret' the move.

Why it matters

Alonso had become a fan favorite and franchise cornerstone for the Mets, breaking Strawberry's team home run record. Strawberry's comments highlight the emotional connection many Mets fans have with their star players and the disappointment over high-profile departures.

The details

Strawberry, who played for the Mets from 1983 to 1990, said he was "really shocked" that Alonso would leave New York to sign with the Orioles as a free agent. Alonso had spent his entire 6-year MLB career with the Mets before opting to join the Orioles on a lucrative multi-year contract this offseason.

  • Darryl Strawberry made his comments on February 24, 2026 from the Mets' spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The players

Darryl Strawberry

A former star outfielder who played for the New York Mets from 1983 to 1990 and held the team's all-time home run record until it was broken by Pete Alonso.

Pete Alonso

A slugging first baseman who played for the New York Mets from 2019 to 2025 and broke Darryl Strawberry's franchise home run record before signing with the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“I was really shocked that Pete would leave New York for Baltimore,”

— Darryl Strawberry, Former Mets Player

The takeaway

Strawberry's strong reaction underscores the emotional investment Mets fans have in their star players, and the disappointment when those players choose to leave the franchise, even for lucrative deals elsewhere.