Radio host clarifies comments on Mets' Pete Alonso

WFAN radio host Sal Licata clarified what became controversial comments he made last month about New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. 

"...Nobody ever said Pete was the problem," Licata insisted during a Thursday discussion with MLB insider Jon Heyman, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "...Forget about Alonso being a bad guy. Nobody ever said he was. We should clear that up. It was never said" 

Licata, who also works for the television home of the Mets (SNY), generated headlines when he said on the air in August that he had done "homework" and learned there were "issues" in the clubhouse ahead of the team's fire sale. 

Licata added at that time that "Alonso was made available" to other teams before the trade deadline in part because the clubhouse had "become a toxic environment," and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic later reported the Milwaukee Brewers "made a significant push to acquire" the three-time All-Star. 

Alonso said in late August that he didn't "really put any merit into" Licata's comments because the media personality is somebody the slugger doesn't know. 

"Let’s not make it like I’m not around," Licata remarked on Thursday. "Not to mention, I talk to people around the clubhouse all the time... That’s not even the real issue ... whether I was in the clubhouse or not. I never said Pete Alonso was a bad guy. The clubhouse did have issues. It was reported before I said it, it was reported after I said it. That’s the story." 

Individuals such as Texas Rangers starter Max Scherzer, Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Mark Canha have attempted to pour cold water over stories regarding what was the status of the Mets clubhouse before the trade deadline. Canha recently seemed downright shocked anybody would think Alonso was or is a "problem in the clubhouse." 

As for Alonso's future, he remains eligible for free agency after the 2024 season, but Heyman reported for the New York Post on Sept. 21 that the "Polar Bear" will be a "priority" for the organization once David Stearns becomes the Mets president of baseball operations next week.