Home Run Derby pays Pete Alonso more than New York Mets

Pete Alonso was seemingly born to be a part of the Home Run Derby. The New York Mets first baseman electrified the crowd as a rookie in 2019, taking home the title as he launched home run after home run. For his efforts, he took home a $1 million prize, a healthy payday for a rookie making the major league minimum.

Alonso was back at it again this year. He belted 74 homers as he defended his crown, earning another $1 million payday. And, again, he easily surpassed his 2021 salary with the Mets.

Home Run Derby more profitable for Pete Alonso than playing for New York Mets

For essentially six hours of work in 2019 and 2021, Alonso has earned $2 million to crush baseballs. Meanwhile, he has made approximately $1.2 million with the Mets, considering how last season’s salaries were prorated for the length of the season. Clearly, launching baseballs in an exhibition is far more profitable.

One has to imagine that this discrepancy will not last for long. Alonso is set to reach arbitration after this season, and may finally see his earnings from the Mets surpass his winnings from the Home Run Derby. Although, as he is likely going to defend his title again in 2022, that may take a little longer than anticipated.

Alonso is likely due for a solid payday next season. The 2019 NL Rookie of the Year and first time All Star has posted a .250/.328/.478 batting line in his 308 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 11 doubles. Although he has not lived up to his incredible rookie season, Alonso has been a solid player for the Mets.

That will eventually lead to Alonso getting his due in terms of a paycheck. It is also possible that, if he starts to show the form that made him a rookie sensation, the Mets will look to give him an extension. One way or another, Alonso will get paid. Or he can just keep entering the Home Run Derby.

Pete Alonso has made more money from the Home Run Derby than as a member of the New York Mets. Hitting homers is a profitable pasttime.