**Mets Enter New Era as Alonso and Diaz Depart for Other Teams**
The New York Mets are officially transitioning into a new chapter. After seven seasons, both Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz have left the team in consecutive days. Alonso is reportedly heading to the Baltimore Orioles, while Diaz will join the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
This shift is a tough pill for Mets fans to swallow, especially considering that Steve Cohen, the wealthiest owner in Major League Baseball and a lifelong Mets supporter, took over the franchise five years ago. Despite this, the front office has allowed a homegrown star and a fan favorite to depart.
Longtime New York radio host Joe Beningo expressed his frustration during a call to WFAN, criticizing ownership and president of baseball operations David Stearns. “I can’t stand David Stearns. He thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room. We’re going to find out how smart he really is,” Beningo stated. He further lamented the owner’s failure to live up to expectations, saying, “Cohen sold us a bill of goods. We all thought, with Uncle Stevie’s big money, things would be different from the Wilpons’ era.”
Beningo drew parallels between Alonso’s exit and significant moments in Mets history, such as Tom Seaver’s trade and Darryl Strawberry’s signing with the Dodgers. He boldly claimed that the previous owners, Fred and Jeff Wilpon, would have recognized Alonso’s value to the organization and would have ensured he remained a Met, citing their decision to extend David Wright.
“I’m furious with the owner,” Beningo added. “He sold us a bill of goods and stuck it right up our rear end.”
Earlier this offseason, the Mets also traded Brandon Nimmo, another homegrown talent, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien. Additionally, they signed Devin Williams, who had a challenging season with the New York Yankees, to a three-year deal.
As the offseason continues, the Mets have time to make further moves, but the departures of Alonso and Diaz have left a significant mark on the team’s fanbase.
**FAQ**
*What does the departure of Alonso and Diaz mean for the Mets?*
The departures signify a major shift in the team’s strategy and roster, raising concerns among fans about the future direction of the franchise under current ownership.