**Pete Alonso Reflects on Mets' Roller-Coaster Season and Uncertain Future**

Pete Alonso expressed his disbelief at the conclusion of the Mets' season, which ended abruptly despite the team's hard-fought battles. The Mets' journey came to a halt with a 10-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. Alonso, who registered a .273 batting average along with four homers and ten RBIs during the postseason, conveyed his astonishment at the sudden end to what had been a season full of comebacks and significant performances.

Having earned $20.5 million this season, Alonso faces his first opportunity for free agency as he turns 30 in December. Reflecting on his time with the Mets, Alonso stated, "I love this team. I love this organization. This fanbase has treated not just myself, but my family so, so well." He expressed his deep connection to New York, the Mets, and the cherished memories created with his teammates.

The Mets had a rocky start to their season, beginning with a 0-5 record and holding a 22-33 standing before a pivotal players' meeting in late May, prompted by a series sweep from the Dodgers. This meeting sparked a remarkable turnaround; the Mets finished the season 89-73 and secured the National League's final wild card spot following a crucial win in Atlanta. Their postseason journey saw them rally in the ninth inning of Game 3 to win the NL Wild Card Series and upset the NL East champion, Philadelphia, to reach the LCS for the first time since 2015.

First-year manager Carlos Mendoza praised the team's resilience, noting the challenges they overcame throughout the season. "It's not easy to come through so much adversity, but we kept finding ways to get the job done," Mendoza said. Despite their efforts falling short in the series against the Dodgers, Mendoza emphasized that the team's deep playoff runs should set the standard for their future expectations.

Amidst the successes, financial concerns loom for the Mets. With a record-high $332 million payroll under owner Steve Cohen and a $96 million luxury tax on the horizon, the offseason decisions will be crucial. Pitchers Jose Quintana and Luis Severino are eligible for free agency, and Sean Manaea has a player option he might decline, making him a potential free agent as well.

Reflecting on the season, shortstop Francisco Lindor, signed through 2031, described it as an "amazing roller-coaster" that had solidified the team's bond. "We accomplished a lot as a team, as individuals. We became family. We overcame a lot of things and we stuck together," Lindor said.

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who is under contract until 2030, expressed hope that Alonso would secure a new deal with the Mets. "He means a lot to the fanbase and to this team and we'd love to see him back here," Nimmo remarked, while acknowledging the complex nature of free agency.

The Mets aim to build on this season's progress and anticipate greater stability as they move into their second year under the leadership of president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza.