Brewers' Mark Canha talks clubhouse impact, future of Mets' Pete Alonso

Current Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Mark Canha is among individuals who insist All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso was only a positive for the New York Mets amid their disastrous season. 

"Saying that he’s a problem in the clubhouse couldn’t be further from the truth," Canha said about Alonso during the latest edition of "The Show" podcast, per Ben Krimmel of SNY. "I could say, 'Oh, well everyone has their own opinion,' but I honestly can’t imagine…how anyone would come to that conclusion that Pete’s a problem in the clubhouse. I think it’s the opposite of that." 

WFAN radio host Sal Licata raised eyebrows throughout the baseball community when he said last month that "Alonso was made available" before the trade deadline in part because "the clubhouse was a major problem" throughout the campaign. 

Alonso is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season and has been the subject of numerous trade rumors for months, but Mike Puma of the New York Post reported last week that "Alonso’s Mets future will undoubtedly be a high priority item on the team’s agenda this offseason" once David Stearns becomes the club's president of baseball operations next week.

"Pete is a priority," a so-called "Mets person" later told The Post's Jon Heyman. 

"He’s so pure-hearted," Canha added about Alonso. "Who would even want to slander this man’s name if you’ve ever met him? He’s like the most pure-hearted guy you could ever meet in a clubhouse." 

The Mets traded Canha to the Brewers as part of a summer fire sale on July 31. 

Alonso has repeatedly made it known he loves representing the Mets and calling New York home. However, Stearns has no direct ties to Alonso and may believe the slugger who turns 29 years old in December is more valuable as a tradeable asset than as an active contributor regarding the club's long-term future.

"He kinda feels like such a New York guy, he really embraces that role," Canha said about his former teammate. "He’s so all-in on the Mets. I loved playing with Pete."