Mets Roundup, Sept 18: Rojas' Breakout, Alonso's 300, Rose's Legacy

[Grand Central Mets]

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis and history from around the internet. Focuses on Rojas' breakout season, Alonso's 300th HR and fan reactions, Howie Rose's legacy, and the Queens' WPBL playoff struggles.

• Mets' top prospect on Triple-A HR heater (3 straight games) since arrival (MLB.com). Argues Rojas' recent Triple-A performance highlights his breakout 2026 season, with three straight homers and .583 average in his first three games, supported by hard-hit balls and a surge in power stats.
• Pete Alonso’s Return to Citi Field Turns Mets Fans Against Their Own Team (FanGraphs). Argues Mets fans’ mixed reaction to Pete Alonso’s 300th home run at Citi Field reflects broader frustration with GM David Stearns’ roster decisions, citing Alonso’s 264 HRs for the Mets and underperformance of his replacements, while linking the moment to past fan reactions to players leaving the team.
• As Rose prepares to bid Mets adieu, he leaves massive imprint in franchise annals (MLB.com). Argues Howie Rose's 40-year Mets broadcasting career left a lasting legacy, with key moments like Alonso's 2024 Wild Card home run and his deep institutional knowledge. Rose's unique connection to the franchise, from childhood fandom to broadcasting, makes him irreplaceable.
• Queens Reign Over the Heights and Advance to WPBL Championship Series (FanGraphs). Argues the New York Heights lost the WPBL semifinal series to the Los Angeles Queens due to inadequate use of pitch-tracking data, contrasting Henley’s lack of Trackman expertise with Queens’ advanced scouting. Key evidence: Queens’ improved plate discipline and run production, while Heights struggled against Roche and Sato.
• Howie Rose will go out as the generational Mets voice he never intended to be (New York Post $$$). Revisits Howie Rose's legacy as the Mets' iconic voice, highlighting his cozy broadcast booth and intimate connection to the team's history. Notes his role in launching 81 baseball conversations annually and his signature Queens wit.