Congratulations to Pete Alonso for being selected as the Mets’ representative to the 2023 All-Star game! It’s the third All-Star selection for Alonso, which ties him with Keith Hernandez for most All-Star games by a Mets first baseman. Alonso celebrated the news, which came shortly before Sunday’s game, with a double and a homer in the team’s 8-4 win on Sunday Night Baseball. Alonso was mic’d up during the second inning and he announced that he would be once again participating in the Home Run Derby, which he has won two times in the past.
Now with 25 HR (2nd in NL) and 58 RBIs (3rd) – it’s easy to see why Alonso was picked. But in my mind, he’d be the fourth choice to be the club’s token representative. Despite the gaudy HR total, Alonso trails Brandon Nimmo in OPS+, 131-128, and Nimmo plays a tougher and more valuable defensive position. Additionally, David Robertson has stepped up and filled Edwin Diaz’ role in the bullpen, with the Mets hardly missing a beat in the ninth inning. Robertson has a 1.95 ERA, a 1.000 WHIP and has limited opponents to a .609 OPS, making the average batter he faces less productive than Starling Marte.
And who would be my third pick? With a nod to Gary Cohen, who put the idea in my head, that would be Tommy Pham. His counting numbers don’t look overly impressive because he started the year as a reserve. But Pham sports the highest OPS+ on the team, with a 146 mark in 207 PA. That’s 165 fewer PA than Nimmo, which is why Pham isn’t higher on the list. But Alonso is getting the real slot due to his power and Pham has a higher SLG (.530 to .520) – which is why my list has Pham higher.
Without any doubt whatsoever, my original opinion was that signing Pham was a mistake. But that was nothing against Pham the individual person. Rather, that opinion was based on Pham’s production recently and his advanced baseball age. Always happy to be wrong when a player on the Mets exceeds my expectations.
However, it’s still wise to consider what Pham is doing now as the tail-end of a six-week hot streak. In rough terms, these hot streaks are 30 games and/or 120 PA. Could be a few more, could be a few less on either number. After an 0-4 on 5/26, Pham had a .627 OPS. Since then, he’s posted the following line:
28 G, 109 PA, .378/.431/.694 with a .456 BABIP
Marte fans and the SNY booth – that is what a hot streak should look like!
Nimmo and Robertson are perfectly justifiable, but if you have Pham listed higher than Alonso, then i feel you are massively discounting too much the value of playing time.
Alonso has started 75 games, 71 at first base.
Pham has started 51 games, only 41 in the field.
Alonso has 320 PA compared to just 207 for PA.
50% extra time in the field and at the plate can’t be worth less than a few extra SLG or OPS+ points.
I sm glad Pete made it. I wish he would give the home run derby a rest.
What makes me ill, is that eight players from Atlanta made the team. Not only because I despise the Braves, but because look at all the young talent that they have.
What a difference a year makes. Last year Alonso, McNeil, Marte and Diaz rightfully made the team and we were leading the division. This year we get a consolation pick because every team must be represented, but that being said, Pete deserves to be there. I too did not think much of Pham – boy was I wrong. And what we remember is a blown save by Robertson not the wonderful season he is having. He is not getting the appropriate credit. And while there are many with better stats, Nimmo has been a very good all around CF and lead off hitter and he gets the offense going. 4:10 start with Senga in the mound against the dangerous DBacks.
Per Fangraphs for the NL
Nimmo has a 2.6 fWAR , second of centerfielders and seventh 0f all outfielders
Alonso has a 1.6 fWAR, sixth of first basemen
Lindor has a 2.5 fWAR, second of shortstops
Robertson has 0.8 fWAR, 9th of relief pitchers
Nimmo was deserving more than Alonso.
BTW, Tyler Rogers is also 9th and Andrew Chafin is 7th were feasible signings also in the off-season to supplement Robertson but Eppler chose to pivot with the catcher ,Narvaez, instead.
But, we now have Trevor Gott! Where is Sidd Finch when you need him.