Alonso has tied the Mets' all-time home run record of 252 homers set by Strawberries.

In terms of home runs per pound, Pete Alonso is the most prolific home run hitter in Mets history. He has now tied the franchise record to prove it.

In today's game against the Brewers, which the Mets lost 4-7, Alonso hit his 252nd career home run right at the start of a new inning, tying the franchise record. Facing Tobias Myers with a count of 1-2 in the second inning, he launched a four-seam fastball to left-center field, which Statcast estimated traveled 413 feet. This long hit ties him with Darryl Strawberry for the most home runs in franchise history, although Alonso accomplished this feat in just 963 games, 146 fewer than Strawberry.

After rounding the bases, Alonso was congratulated by teammates and coaches. Despite the recent struggles of the New York team, it was a moment worth celebrating for a player who is so beloved by fans and in the clubhouse.

“We’re talking about a milestone that isn’t easy to reach, especially with so many great players who have worn this jersey,” said Alonso's manager Carlos Mendoza from the past two seasons. “For Pete to tie it is a special moment for him and for all of us; we are all proud of him.”

“He is one of the best power hitters in this organization—no, he is the best—and he is among the elite in the league,” said Francisco Lindor, who has been Alonso's teammate since 2021. “What he does day in and day out is impressive. I’m incredibly proud of him, and I’m glad he’s my teammate and that I witnessed history.”

This record-tying home run is the culmination of seven seasons.

More than one-fifth of Alonso's home runs came during his 2019 National League Rookie of the Year season, which is also one of the most dazzling seasons for a Mets hitter. That summer, Alonso hit 53 home runs, setting a new MLB rookie record (and a Mets single-season record), while also winning his first Home Run Derby title (he has won it twice in total).

In the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic, he hit another 16 home runs, establishing himself as one of the most consistent power hitters in the league. From 2021 to 2024, Alonso hit between 34 and 46 home runs each year, totaling 157 in those seasons. During this time, he won another Home Run Derby title and was selected to the All-Star Game nearly every year.

Since Alonso made his debut in New York on March 28, 2019, only Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies have hit more home runs than him.

“His consistency is unbelievable,” Lindor said, referring to Alonso, who did not speak to the media after the game due to personal matters. “I don’t think he views himself as a power hitter. He’s a guy who wants to hit the ball to center field and get base hits the other way, and that’s what makes him special.”

However, the most impactful home run of Alonso's career does not count toward his regular-season total (although it also occurred in the same ballpark where he tied the record). In last year's Wild Card Series Game 3 against the Brewers, with just two outs left for the Mets, Alonso hit a go-ahead three-run homer off closer Devin Williams, energizing his team. Ultimately, they fell just two wins short of the National League Championship.

After the season ended, Alonso became a free agent for the first time. For most of the winter, it seemed he would not return. But in late January, as spring training approached, Alonso re-signed with a two-year, $54 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after the 2025 season.

Shortly after signing the contract, Alonso mentioned that Strawberry's record was a significant motivation for him.

“I’ve definitely thought about it,” he said. “Being a part of this team in that way would be very special.”

In terms of franchise home run records, the Mets' 252 is not particularly high. Only the Diamondbacks and Padres have lower records.

However, Strawberry's record stood for 37 years, as the New York team rarely had a power hitter like him. In the first 25 years of their existence, the Mets were either a weak team or one heavily skewed towards pitching. For many years, light-hitting Ed Kranepool held the franchise record for home runs. When Strawberry emerged in 1983, it took him just a little over five years to claim the record.

But Strawberry did not stay with the team long-term. After him, top Mets power hitters also did not remain for long—most notably Mike Piazza and Carlos Beltrán, both of whom easily surpassed 252 career home runs but spent most of their careers elsewhere.

The most credible threat to Strawberry's record was David Wright, who hit 222 home runs in his first ten seasons before back, neck, and shoulder injuries began to impact his career. Wright ultimately hit just 20 more home runs, falling 10 short of Strawberry.

If Alonso were to leave through free agency, he would face a similar predicament. However, he not only stayed long enough to tie one of the franchise's greatest home run hitters but also demonstrated extraordinary durability in the process. Last year, Alonso set the Mets' consecutive games played record. Since then, he has not missed a single game.

As for the home run that will break the record, Strawberry has been eagerly anticipating this moment.

“I don’t want my record to last forever,” the Mets legend said in June. “I’m no longer a baseball player. I’m an outsider in the baseball world. This belongs to these young guys. When you see a player come back after going through so much and then putting it all together, you feel happy. It’s exciting.”

Now, it's just a matter of time before Alonso hits his 253rd home run; it's not a question of if, but when—everyone in the Mets organization is ready to witness this moment.

“Clearly, I faced him for a while when I was on another team,” said Ryan Helsley, who became Alonso's teammate on July 30. “Now being his teammate and watching him chase the record is really special. We’re all rooting for him.”

“Everyone here is happy for him,” Lindor said. “I know he doesn’t talk about it much, but I’m sure he wants this record badly. It’s a good thing for him to achieve this. I believe he’ll hit one tomorrow or the day after and become the unique leader in home runs for the team.”