A stunned Pete Alonso stood in front of his locker late Saturday night, processing the departure of Max Scherzer, the second key piece of the Mets’ pitching staff to be dealt in two days.
“Honestly, shocked,’’ Alonso said following an 11-6 loss to the Nationals at Citi Field that took a backseat to the team loudly announcing they were tearing down a roster that opened the year with the highest payroll in MLB history.
Though Alonso put on a good face following the trade of David Robertson on Thursday, he was shaken up by Saturday’s move, given Scherzer’s contract status.
“I’m perplexed about the Max trade,’’ Alonso said.
Asked about the rest of the season, Alonso said: “I don’t know what it means for the future.”
He added he even wondered “briefly” about his own place with the team.
Pete Alonso said he was “shocked” the Mets traded Max Scherzer. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Max Scherzer Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post“That’s your natural inclination,’’ Alonso said. “If a guy with a no-trade clause can get traded, anyone can.”
The first baseman said the situation was “out of my control. I feel comfortable here. It’s a great place to play.”
Among the reasons Alonso didn’t see the Scherzer trade coming, in addition to the no-trade clause, was the fact that he was so invested in the team since signing with the Mets prior to the 2022 season.
Everything to know about the Mets' historic sell-off
After a disappointing season, the Mets are selling off their historically expensive roster.
The Amazins dealt out some big name players before the MLB trade deadline — including now-former co-aces Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
Below are the players the Mets have shipped out:
Tommy Pham
The Mets traded the outfielder minutes before the 6 p.m. deadline to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arizona is sending back 17-year shortstop Jeremy Rodriguez, who has a .751 OPS rookie ball this season.
Justin Verlander
The Mets traded out Verlander, a sure-fire Hall of Fame pitcher, back to his former team, the Houston Astros.
The Amazins reportedly will receive top Astros prospect Drew Gilbert, a Double-A outfielder, and 20-year-old outfielder Ryan Clifford, who owns a .919 OPS through 83 games in Low- and High-A this year.
Max Scherzer
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner that was a co-ace with Verlander, was sold off to the Texas Rangers.
The Mets landed one of the Rangers’ top prospects, Double-A infielder Luisangel Acuña, brother of Braves star Ronald Acuña.
Mark Canha
The veteran outfielder was dealt to the Brewers for Justin Jarvis, a promising 23-year-old pitcher that was ranked No. 12 in the Brewers’ farm system.
David Robertson
The Mets traded closer David Robertson to the Miami Marlins, a move that started off the club’s deadline dismantle.
In exchange for Robertson, who is having another terrific season, the Mets received a pair of minor leaguers, infielder Marco Vargas and catcher Ronald Hernandez, from Miami.
“He was a New Yorker,’’ Alonso said. “He was all-in.”
Like Alonso, Brandon Nimmo said he was “shocked” by the Scherzer news.
And Francisco Lindor, like Nimmo, with a lengthy contract with the Mets, said he spoke with general manager Billy Eppler about what’s next and believes they will do more dealing before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
“From what I’ve seen, I think other guys are going to go,’’ Lindor said.
But Lindor also said he was assured by Eppler they were “trying to better the organization. That’s why I don’t call it a rebuild. I still think we can go on a run this year.”
The front office might have a different view.
