Pete Alonso opens up about impact of having Juan Soto batting behind him

The New York Mets had signed Juan Soto during the offseason and then re-signed Pete Alonso on a short term deal. With both these signings, they now have a formidable duo at the top of the lineup behind the leadoff hitter Francisco Lindor.

What did Pete Alonso say on Juan Soto batting behind him?

Juan Soto is hitting .257 with 45 RBIs to his name, he has 19 home runs and a .897 OPS. Due to his slow start, he has not been able to showcase his talent in the #2 hole. Pete Alonso has been one of the crucial players in the New York Mets lineup as he is hitting .286 with 65 RBIs, 18 home runs and a .933 OPS.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto improved his game in the month of June as he has a .325 average. But, there have been talks that he needs to switch positions with Alonso. While making an appearance on the Evan & Tiki Show, Alonso was asked whether having Soto behind him would add extra cushion.

As per Pete Alonso, it doesn't matter that Soto, Jeff McNeil or Brandon Nimmo comes behind him.

Well, I think Jeff has got over a .900 OPS from the second half on, so Jeff’s been doing it, Alonso said. For me, regardless of where I’m at in the lineup, they don’t want to miss over the plate. For us, it’s like, okay, me and Juan, no matter where we’re at in the lineup, they’re going to be like, okay, we’re not going to allow these guys to put the ball in play because these guys can leave the park at any time.

Francisco’s the same way. When Nimmo is hitting the ball the way he has been, when he’s hitting the ball, it’s hit hard and far. That’s just how the game is. No pitcher wants to lay something in the zone because we have a deep lineup where if the ball’s put in play, it’s put in play hard. Chances are, it’s probably going to go over the wall.

Juan Soto has a .247 average while batting second this season, while carrying a .272 average batting from #3. On the other hand, Alonso has a .294 average batting from the third spot and has a strong .944 OPS.

Pete Alonso on his future at New York Mets

Pete Alonso has signed a two-year deal worth a whopping $54 million deal in the offseason. This comes after a back and forth between the team and his agent, Scott Boras, about a possible long term deal, which the Mets refused.

However, having an opt-out option in the contract at the end of the season will allow him to look out for a long term deal by testing free agency. He mentioned that he hasn't had any conversations with Boras about his future.

I mean, whenever the season’s over, however it unfolds....No, no. I mean, we just play ball. Focus on winning. That’s really it, Alonso added.

It will be interesting to see whether he returns to New York or signs a contract elsewhere which offers him a hefty paycheck.