5 reasons the New York Mets can actually pull off a miracle comeback

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Juan Lagares #12 of the New York Mets celebrates his third inning grand slam home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates Amed Rosario #1 and Robinson Cano #24 and manager Mickey Callaway #36 at Citi Field on September 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after a home run in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a by teammate Michael Conforto at Citi Field on September 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. No rookie slumps

It might still say rookie on 24-year-old first baseman Pete Alonso’s baseball card, but he has hardly played like a rookie all year. Were it not for epic seasons from Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger, Alonso would garner plenty of first-place votes in the NL MVP race, not just the Rookie of the Year. He has hit 47 home runs and driven in 109 and has been the sole offensive force driving the Mets for long stretches of the season.

Alonso endured a dreadful month of July but has been red-hot in August and September. He has hit .281/.360/.582 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI over his last 39 games. It’s no coincidence that the Mets are 24-15 in that time span. Give Alonso huge props for doing that against some of the best pitching in the league.

Not only is Alonso leading the Mets offensively, but he has also stepped up to fill a major leadership role left behind by David Wright. Alonso has not handled himself like a rookie all year, as evidenced by his leading the team to wear custom cleats to honor first responders and those who served on 9/11. Alonso just has that “it factor” and should step up to push the Mets here.

While not a rookie, Jeff McNeil has also had an incredible season. The 27-year-old played in only 63 games last year and is hitting .325/.394/.536 this year with 20 home runs. McNeil is tied with Alonso for the team lead in WAR. Not really known for his power, McNeil has a .653 slugging percentage with 16 extra-base hits over his last 26 games.

Home/MLB