Keith Hernandez advocates for the New York Mets to retain their key free agents, Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz. In a recent appearance on The Post’s “The Show” podcast, Hernandez discussed the significance of both players to the team’s future.
Importance of Pete Alonso
Hernandez emphasizes that Alonso’s offensive abilities are irreplaceable. He compared Alonso’s talent to that of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. Despite acknowledging some defensive weaknesses, Hernandez praised Alonso for his skill in making challenging scoops.
- Alonso’s 2024 season performance: .272 batting average, .871 OPS
- Home runs: 38
- RBIs: 126
Hernandez believes that keeping Alonso is crucial, citing his potential to drive in runs and provide a valuable right-handed bat in the lineup. He strongly stated, “If he drives in 125 runs, they’ve got to sign him.”
Edwin Diaz’s Impact
Hernandez also stressed the need to re-sign Edwin Diaz. The closer, who is in the final stage of a five-year contract, showcased remarkable performance in 2024. His statistics included:
- ERA: 1.63
- WHIP: 0.87
- Saves: 28
- Strikeouts: 98 in 66 ⅓ innings
As the Mets head into crucial negotiations, both Alonso and Diaz represent significant components of their competitive strategy. Hernandez’s insights reflect a broader sentiment that the organization must invest in its star players to secure future success.
Conclusion
Retaining Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz is vital for the Mets. Keith Hernandez’s perspective highlights the importance of these players, emphasizing their unique contributions on the field. As the offseason approaches, the Mets front office must carefully consider these decisions to enhance their roster.
