First base in the National League might be the strongest subset of players in the sport.
Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt and Matt Olson are as potent a trio as can be found.
Pete Alonso emerged from the group as an All-Star.
The Mets first baseman will represent the club for a third time next week in Seattle after his power became a rare bright spot in a dark first half.
Manager Buck Showalter pulled Alonso into his office before the Mets were set to play the Giants at Citi Field on Sunday and delivered the news.
“It’s really awesome,” said Alonso, who at least at the moment is the lone Met making the trip. “It’s a super high honor, and I’m excited to represent the Mets.”
When the results were announced, Alonso was tied for third in all of baseball in home runs (24) despite missing eight games in June after he suffered a bone bruise and sprain in his left wrist.
Alonso has been as consistent as an offensive threat as the Mets have had in a woeful first half.
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Freeman will start at first base for the NL and Olson was also selected as reserve — among eight Braves to make the team.
Alonso entered play with an .817 OPS and 55 RBIs in 75 games, which earned him his third All-Star Game in five big-league seasons — one of which (2020) did not feature the event.
“I think for me, I’m really pleased with the success I’ve had, but there’s some areas that I can improve upon,” said Alonso, whose results have dropped off since returning from the injury. “Every day, just want to compete and win.”
Showalter argued Alonso has been “one of the league leaders in unluckiness,” and the advanced statistics back up his theory.
Alonso entered play with a .217 batting average, but a .266 expected batting average.
Alonso has been frustrated recently, with two errors in two games and one bat snapped over his knee after a foul out Friday.
“I hate to see good people and a good player beat themselves up,” Showalter said of Alonso, who added he was not sure yet if he would participate in the Home Run Derby again. “But I think it’s good timing for him to be reminded how good a player he is.”
