Mets Morning News: Pete Alonso is the home run king

Meet the Mets

Pete Alonso delivered the Mets what’s likely to be their only championship of the year on Monday night when he slugged his way to the Home Run Derby crown over Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He captured the title despite some very unorthodox pitching from his cousin. MLB.com broke down the entire evening, including the incredible second round matchup between Joc Pederson and Guerrero that required multiple tiebreakers to settle.

The Tampa Bay Times took a look back at Alonso’s youth baseball career before the derby.

David Lennon says the All-Star Game should be something of a coming out party for Jeff McNeil, whose excellence should be celebrated league-wide.

Both the Yankees and Red Sox have contacted the Mets about a deal for Zack Wheeler.

Everyone knows about Anthony Kay’s monster season in the minors so far, but the Post says Ryley Gilliam is flying under the radar as another fast rising prospect, though he’s struggled so far in Syracuse.

Joel Sherman says that in a trade season with no elite starters on the market, the Mets would be dumb not to see if they can get an absurd package of talent if they’re willing to trade Jacob deGrom.

Around the National League East

The Braves are apparently interested in dealing for Madison Bumgarner.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had more home runs in the first two rounds of the derby than the Marlins have hit as a team all season.

The Nationals may be signing Brad Boxberger to a minor league deal.

Around Major League Baseball

Justin Verlander tore into Major League Baseball, claiming they’re juicing balls and ruining the game.

Jonathan Lucroy suffered a fractured nose and a concussion in his collision at the plate with Jake Marisnick.

Cody Decker, the “real life Crash Davis,” and current king of minor league home runs, hit a walk-off shot for the Reno Aces on Friday night and promptly retired.

Here’s a breakdown of the starting lineups for the All-Star Game.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa brought you the Daily Prospect Report.

Kate Feldman took a look back at Mets players who’ve participated in the Home Run Derby.

Allison McCague had player performance meters for pitchers and position players.

There was a new episode of From Complex to Queens looking at minor league pay.

This Date in Mets History

Tom Seaver was pitching a perfect game in the 9th inning on this date in 1969 when Jimmy Qualls broke it up with a single.