New York Mets Stun MLB: Blockbuster Trade Deadline Move Ignites Playoff Push

Queens has a new king of power—well, a co-king for now. Pete Alonso launched career homer No. 252 on Saturday night in Milwaukee, matching Darryl Strawberry for the most home runs in New York Mets history. The second-inning blast off Brewers right-hander Tobias Myers was Alonso’s 26th of the 2025 season and his third in the last four games, signaling that the first-baseman’s long June/July power drought may finally be over. Alonso’s milestone shot traveled an estimated 426 feet to left-center and left the bat at 110 mph, sending the sellout crowd at American Family Field into stunned silence while the Mets’ dugout erupted. The Polar Bear now sits one swing away from sole possession of a record Strawberry held for 35 years—a mark that once seemed untouchable for a franchise that has rarely been defined by slugging prowess. The timing couldn’t be better for a club scrapping to stay alive in the National League wild-card race. Even after dropping Friday’s opener 3-2 in a Woodruff-Senga duel the Mets led early but couldn’t close, New York has won seven of its last ten and sits 1½ games behind St. Louis for the final postseason spot entering Sunday’s series finale. Manager Carlos Mendoza called Alonso’s record-tying swing “a thunderclap” for a lineup that has been inconsistent since Memorial Day. “When Pete’s locked in, everybody in that room stands a little taller,” Mendoza said post-game. “He’s the heartbeat of our offense and he’s heating up when it matters most.” What’s next? After Sunday’s matinee in Milwaukee, the Amazins return to Citi Field for a pivotal three-game showdown with the division-leading Braves (Aug 12-14) before hosting the Cubs next weekend. With Alonso on the brink of history, ticket demand has surged and the Mets are planning a series of in-park tributes, including Strawberry highlights packages and commemorative scoreboard graphics. If Alonso breaks the record at home, expect a stoppage of play and an on-field ceremony reminiscent of David Wright’s farewell in 2018. Beyond the chase, the Mets’ larger storyline is rotation health. Kodai Senga left Friday’s start with forearm tightness, though early imaging came back clean. The club may recall top prospect Christian Scott for a spot start, with veteran swingman Tylor Megill available in relief. On the back end, Ryan Helsley’s move from closer to high-leverage “fireman” has stabilized late innings, allowing setup weapon Edwin Díaz to pocket matchups wherever the analytics dictate. SEO takeaway: Fans searching for “New York Mets home run record,” “Pete Alonso Darryl Strawberry 252,” or “Mets playoff chances 2025” will find that Alonso’s power surge and a suddenly opportunistic pitching staff have reignited October hopes in Queens. The next week at Citi Field could rewrite franchise history—and decide whether the Mets’ season extends beyond Game 162.