The New York Mets, who started the season strong and still hold a solid 46–32 record, have recently hit a rough patch. Their latest loss came Sunday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, capping off a difficult two-week stretch in which they’ve dropped eight of their last nine games.

A protracted free agency kept Alonso’s Mets future in limbo this past offseason. But he eventually signed a two-year, $54 million contract — with an opt-out after 2024 — shortly before spring training to remain in Queens. So far, it has paid dividends for both Alonso and the Mets, as he’s in the midst of a career year.