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.
“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.
“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.
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