Pete Alonso. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets slugger putting his power to good cause

By David Hill | Last updated 2/17/24

Pete Alonso has been one of the best power hitters in the game since making his major-league debut in 2019. Now he is looking to do more with his homers than help the Mets win games.

Alonso announced on Saturday that he will be donating $1,000 to animal shelters for every home run he hits this season.

Pete Alonso is going to donate $1,000 to animal shelters for every home run he hits during the 2024 season

"Hopefully there's a lot of homers and we get to save a lot of animals." pic.twitter.com/h3JMxeeUfs
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 17, 2024

Alonso's power could easily make a difference. He exploded onto the scene in 2019, setting a rookie record with 53 homers while shattering the Mets' team record. He won the Home Run Derby that year, made his first All-Star Game, won the NL Rookie of the Year award and finished seventh in the MVP race.

Alonso has continued his impressive barrage since. He's hit at least 37 homers in each year of his major-league career, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. While his batting line slipped to .217/.318/.504 over 658 plate appearances last year, Alonso still belted 46 homers.

The 2024 season is important for Alonso. He is slated to be a free agent after the year and will be one of the most sought-after players available.

Alonso's powerful bat will drastically impact whatever team he lands on after this season. But that power will also make an impact off the field this year as each home run will help save animals.

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