Pete Alonso Expresses Regret Over Alex Bregman’s Return: “I Wish I Could Have My Ways to Take You Out”
In an unexpected twist to the off-season narrative, New York Mets’ star Pete Alonso has made headlines with a bold and somewhat controversial statement about Houston Astros’ third baseman Alex Bregman. During an exclusive interview, Alonso shared his personal thoughts on Bregman’s return to the Major League Baseball (MLB) landscape and his continued presence in the American League, despite being a divisive figure for many in the sport.
Alonso, who has long been recognized for his raw power at the plate and his intense, competitive nature, expressed a surprising level of regret regarding Bregman’s return from a career-threatening injury earlier this year. Bregman, one of the most prominent figures on the Astros’ roster and a key member of their 2017 World Series-winning team, has been the subject of much debate since the infamous sign-stealing scandal rocked the sport.
While the incident remains a sore spot for many players and fans, Alonso’s comments seem to reflect not only the tension surrounding the Astros but also his personal feelings towards Bregman and the wider issues that continue to haunt MLB. In the interview, Alonso was candid in discussing how he wished he could have the opportunity to “take out” Bregman, a reference to his intense desire to face him in a high-stakes situation where he could “show him” his own dominance on the field.
A Complex Rivalry
Alonso’s comments about Bregman, which were made during a Q&A session with MLB insiders, have certainly sparked debate. While Alonso is known for his unrelenting confidence and his fiery spirit, the timing of his words carries extra weight given the history between the two players. Alonso has not been shy about his thoughts on the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, which involved using technology to illegally relay pitch signals to hitters. The controversy left a lasting impact on the MLB, with many players openly expressing their disdain for how the Astros benefited from the scheme during their 2017 championship run.
Bregman, who was one of the key players involved in the scandal, has worked hard to rebuild his image, consistently stating that he regrets his role in the incident. However, not everyone is ready to forgive, and Alonso’s comments are a clear indication of that lingering animosity. Alonso admitted that while he respects Bregman’s talent and work ethic, the emotional weight of the sign-stealing scandal has made it difficult for him to fully accept Bregman’s return to prominence in the league.
“I know what Bregman is capable of on the field,” Alonso said. “The guy’s a great player, no doubt about that. But when it comes down to the kind of person I want to go up against, the way the whole thing went down with the sign-stealing, it just feels wrong. I wish I could have my ways to take you out, to show the world that there’s a different way to play the game — a way that’s honest, hard-fought, and real. That’s just how I feel.”
While Alonso was quick to acknowledge Bregman’s talent as a player, his comments were unmistakably pointed. The Mets slugger made it clear that his frustration with the sign-stealing scandal still lingers, and he feels that Bregman’s success post-scandal is a reminder of the inequities in how the situation was handled.
The Emotional Toll of the Scandal
The Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, which was uncovered in 2019, cast a long shadow over the 2017 World Series and the years that followed. Many players from opposing teams, including Alonso, have voiced their displeasure with how the Astros were penalized, feeling that the punishment did not match the severity of the offense. For Alonso, who is known for his passion and loyalty to the game, the scandal is still a deeply emotional subject.
“We’re all out there grinding, working hard, trying to win the right way,” Alonso explained. “And then to find out that a team, especially one that’s at the top, was cheating and getting away with it, it just stings. That’s not the game I love, and it’s definitely not the kind of competition I want to be a part of. So yeah, I wish I had the chance to go head-to-head with Bregman in a way that would let me put all that frustration on display.”
The Mets first baseman also pointed out the contrast between how he and other players in the league approach the game versus how the Astros operated during that period. Alonso, who has earned a reputation for his integrity and commitment to fair play, emphasized that his feelings are not driven solely by personal vendettas but by a broader sense of justice for the game itself.
“I just want to be part of a league that’s clean, where everyone is playing by the same rules,” Alonso said. “I think a lot of guys feel the same way, even if they’re not as vocal about it. The Astros’ success came from something that wasn’t earned the right way, and that’s what makes it tough.”
Bregman’s Redemption Arc
For his part, Alex Bregman has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate his image since the scandal. He has publicly apologized for his role, admitting to his mistakes, and has tried to move forward by focusing on his performance on the field. Bregman’s return to full health after suffering a significant injury earlier this year has been seen as a redemption of sorts, both for him personally and for the Astros as a team. The Astros have continued to thrive, with Bregman playing an instrumental role in their recent successes.
Despite Alonso’s comments, Bregman has remained focused on his own journey, acknowledging the challenges that come with rebuilding trust in the wake of the scandal. “I’ve made my mistakes, and I know I’ll never be able to erase that from people’s minds,” Bregman said in a recent interview. “All I can do now is keep playing the game the right way, earn back respect, and prove that I belong here.”
While Alonso’s comments may have added fuel to the fire of the ongoing rivalry between the two players, they also highlight the deep emotional scars left by the scandal, which continues to divide the baseball world. As both players prepare for the 2025 MLB season, their paths are sure to cross again, and the intensity of their matchups — especially with the added weight of Alonso’s recent comments — promises to add another layer of intrigue to the ongoing Astros-Mets rivalry.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, the animosity between Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman is sure to be a talking point for fans and analysts alike. While Alonso’s words have clearly struck a nerve, they also serve as a reminder of how deeply the sign-stealing scandal still resonates within the baseball community. For Alonso, the desire to compete fairly and to prove his worth on the field is unwavering, and Bregman’s return only highlights the unresolved tension that still exists in the sport.
Whether their rivalry will escalate or whether time will heal some of the wounds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: when the Mets and Astros meet again, the stakes will be higher than ever.
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