Emotional Mets face reality of free agency after NLCS defeat
The Mets' clubhouse was full of emotion after New York's Game 6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS on Sunday night.
The hugs between teammates came after a valiant postseason run that ended two wins shy of the World Series. But emotions also ran high because the team has about a dozen pending free agents, making it almost a certainty the Mets won't return the same roster next season.
It will be good to have a cast overhaul.
I hope that next season there will be more players who are hungrier for victories.
Their top starting pitchers will all enter free agency, as will first baseman Pete Alonso. His six-year run in New York included 226 regular-season home runs -- third in franchise history -- as well as several clutch long balls this postseason that only enhanced his popularity with Mets fans.
Alonso fought back his emotions in discussing the team while being asked about his future.
"I'm really proud of what I was able to accomplish here," Alonso said after the 10-5 loss. "I laid it out there every day. I played my heart out every day ... I'm just thinking of the group. We'll cross that [free agent] bridge when we get there. I love this team. I love New York. I love playing in Queens. This group is really special."
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