PITTSBURGH — The Mets have a re-Pete heading to the All-Star Game.
In a surprise selection, Pete Alonso was named to the National League All-Star team Sunday as the Mets’ lone representative. Alonso was selected as a reserve at first base behind starter Bryce Harper.
Francisco Lindor got snubbed on a day he reached base four times and delivered a two-run, go-ahead single in the ninth inning of the Mets’ 3-2 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park.
Brandon Nimmo was also snubbed.
Lindor and Nimmo have been hot hitters for the Mets over the past six weeks.
Alonso wore a huge smile as he prepared to celebrate with teammates after the game.
“I’m truly blessed,” Alonso said.
The All-Star selection was Alonso’s third straight and fourth in five seasons the game has been played.
The game was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic and Alonso was omitted from the All-Star team the following year.
Alonso, with four All-Star selections, will move ahead of Keith Hernandez for most by a first baseman in franchise history.
Alonso on Friday told The Post he would only consider participating in the Home Run Derby if he was selected to the All-Star Game.
He was asked on Sunday if he will now commit to the competition.
“You guys will see,” said Alonso, who won the event in 2019 and ’21.
Alonso owns a .243/.325/,464 slash line with 18 homers and 48 RBIs and has ranked behind Christian Walker (.268/.340/.513) offensively among NL first basemen.
Freddie Freeman also was selected as a reserve at first base for the NL All-Star team.
“I am really pleased with some parts, but I’m really excited for better things to come,” Alonso said, when asked about his first-half numbers. “I think progressively I made some adjustments along the way and finding success as the season has gone along has been really nice.”
Carlos Mendoza, in a serious tone, approached Alonso before Sunday’s game and told him he needed to speak with him in the manager’s office.
It was then Alonso learned he was headed to Texas for the All-Star Game.
The manager gave his assessment of Alonso’s first half.
“I thought he got hot and then he got cold, but this is a guy who can carry us,” Mendoza said. “This is a guy that can carry us. I like the at-bats as of late. I think he is making progress as far as the chases go, but the impact there, he’s a game-changer. When he’s at the plate anything can happen.”
Lindor owns a .763 OPS after a slow start and has been strong defensively for the Mets.
The shortstop still has not been selected to an All-Star Game in his four seasons with the club.
“I guess I have got to have a better April,” Lindor said.
Nimmo was also diplomatic about not getting selected, despite his .810 OPS.
“I have done what I can do,” Nimmo said. “I am just not winning the popularity contest right now.”
