THE POLAR BEAR IS BACK IN QUEENS

FINALLY he signs. After a grueling 3+ months of free agency, one where I can only assume Pete knows he royally screwed himself with, the Polar Bear is back in Queens for at least another season.

Look, I know Pete Alonso isn't the best guy we could have had for first base, and probably isn't the long term fix we need out there, but this guy has been with the organization since he was drafted in 2016 in the second round and Mets fans alike can consider this guy a staple to the franchise. Especially since he has the opportunity to become the all-time leading HR hitter in Mets history behind David Write and Darryl Strawberry.

We had to do something to keep up the Dodgers and the signing of Soto was the snowball that turned into keeping Winker around, and finally Pete Alonso.

Now do I think the Mets can have that magical run they had at the end of last season? Probably not, but this is BY FAR the most excited I've been for a Mets season to start for as long as I could remember.

Yes Pete is a huge dork and hardo, but he's our dork and hardo and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I mean look at this idiot. But man is he a loveable guy. And yes, I can assure you I will be calling for his head late in games when he strikes out at inopportune times, but that's being a Mets fan baby. We love hard, and he hate even harder.

Did we overpay here? Yeah probably. Two years, 54 million is kind of a lot to pay for this big dumb galoot, but I cannot wait for that first home run pop he gets in Citi Field on opening day with the bases loaded with Lindor, Soto and Nimmo to greet him at home plate to kick off the 2025 season with a grand slam.

I need more of the Star Wars gambling cave moments like this all season long:

I'll be honest. I cried in that moment. What a God damn game that was for the Mets. And Pete sparked that run, whether anyone wants to admit or not. All-time moment as an adult sports fan - most magical and fun run I can remember in my life.

Steven Cohen, if you see this, I only ask of you one more thing.

Bring back Iglesias to keep the vibes in the clubhouse as high as last season. Please, we need this guy around.

I'll leave it at one more thing:

#LFGM