Keith pondered with a caller what the better bet would be, given the odds, on Giancarlo Stanton or Francisco Alvarez hitting 30 home runs in 2024.
“Who would you rather put $40 on?” Keith wondered. “Should I put it on Alvarez or Stanton?”
Alvarez belted 25 home runs in 382 at-bats, and should be a solid bet to crank over 30 in his sophomore season. Keith would buy in to that bet.
“Francisco Alvarez is my favorite Met. I think he’s a dog,” Keith said. “He fits the modern player.”
As for Stanton? Health is always a concern, but the oft-injured slugger did reshape his body in the offseason in an effort to be more reliable, and it showed in the spring. When healthy, the power is undeniable. In seasons where he’s played at least 110 games, Stanton has surpassed the 30 home run mark each year since his MVP campaign in 2017, including belting 31 in 110 games played in 2022. So, while he is only getting older, there is always the chance for Stanton to have a big home run season.
“I would love for him to have 30 home runs. That means he’s available,” Keith said. “I need him to hit 30 home runs in this lineup with this team.”