Soto at home in Polar Bear's house: Big bats power Mets in `storybook' Citi Field opener

NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto's home debut with the New York Mets was a huge success.

Citi Field is still Pete Alonso's house, though.

Alonso hit an early two-run homer, Soto added an RBI double and the New York Mets beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-0 on Friday behind the pair of power hitters they signed in free agency last offseason.

“I don’t think it could have gone any better,” Alonso said. “People were super stoked. The energy was super high the entire game in the ballpark. You couldn’t write up a better start to the home opener.”

With the Mets back from a 3-3 trip to start the season, fans were fired up for Soto's first home game since joining the team in December by agreeing to a record $765 million, 15-year contract.

The slugger's No. 22 jersey dotted the stands in a sellout crowd of 43,945, and blue-and-orange T-shirts with Seven Juan Eight written on the front were available for purchase — a clever nod to the 718 area code in Queens.

“It feels great," Soto said. "This fan base, it’s amazing. Like I said in the past, I didn’t realize how many fans they have and how passionate they are. It’s really cool.”

Soto was cheered during pregame introductions and received a standing ovation as he stepped to the plate for his first at-bat. With fans on their feet and cell phone cameras out, he popped up with Francisco Lindor on second base in the first inning.

But then Alonso drove a 1-2 fastball from Kevin Gausman the other way over the right-field fence for his third home run in four games.

“It’s pretty cool, I’m not going to lie,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He was in the dugout and everybody’s kind of waiting for that moment as he’s walking towards the plate. Standing ovation — he means a lot to the people, the fans. And then for him to go out there first at-bat and goes the other way, kind of setting the tone right away. First at-bat of the season here at Citi Field for him after the offseason with all the rumors and all that, it’s a pretty cool feeling for him and for all of us.”

Also a free agent last winter, Alonso returned to the Mets on a $54 million, two-year deal following a lengthy saga that finally ended in February. At one point, owner Steve Cohen even spoke publicly about how difficult the negotiations were and said it appeared likely Alonso would sign elsewhere.

“I didn’t want to imagine it," longtime teammate Brandon Nimmo said. "But there was a time this offseason where things were getting pretty sticky there at the end. So we were definitely worried, but I’m glad we don’t have to worry about that anymore. We’re sitting here with Juan Soto and Pete Alonso right in the middle of our lineup, and that’s two guys that are real hard to pitch to.”

Back with the only professional organization he's ever played for, Alonso is off to a sizzling start. And after rounding the bases Friday, the homegrown fan favorite came out of the dugout for a curtain call.

“It was sick. I mean, just, that type of stuff is what you dream about as a kid. And to have that type of support being reciprocated, I mean, it’s really special for sure, and I enjoyed every second of it," the four-time All-Star first baseman said.

“Obviously, this place is familiar. Love it here, love playing at Citi, love being in New York. And it checks all those boxes for me. And for me, it’s the best option and it’s just such an easy decision to come back.”

New York carried a 2-0 lead into the sixth, when Lindor drew a one-out walk that chased Gausman. Toronto manager John Schneider brought in rookie left-hander Mason Fluharty to face Soto, who pulled an RBI double into right field for his first hit with the Mets at Citi Field.

“I knew he was going to come through,” said Lindor, who scored from first base. "He’s a showman. He’s one of those guys that when the lights are on and everybody is on top of him, he performs.”

Alonso was intentionally walked, and then Soto scored easily on Nimmo’s double to nearly the same spot in the right-field corner.

Soto finished 1 for 4 with a stolen base and made a steady defensive play in deep right field.

“I think everything went our way,” he said.

Alonso couldn't agree more.

“For it being the first one back, it’s for sure really special. Where it fits on the list, I don’t really know. But I mean, it’s definitely up there,” he said. “Today is very, very special, very picturesque, very storybook-like.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after homering on a fly ball to right field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alan Roden attempts to catch New York Mets' Pete Alonso's fly ball during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Pete Alonso runs to home plate after homering on a fly ball to right field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after homering on a fly ball to right field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto runs to the dugout during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Juan Soto high fives teammates before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Juan Soto scores after Brandon Nimmo doubles on a sharp line drive during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Pete Alonso homers on a fly ball to right field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

A New York Mets fan holds up a sign welcoming Juan Soto before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Juan Soto throws the ball before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto runs to the outfield during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo (9), left, and Pete Alonso (20), right, celebrate after Alonso homers on a fly ball to right field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Juan Soto takes the field before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after homering on a fly ball to right field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

New York Mets' Juan Soto doubles on a line drive during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, April 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 7, 2025--

Global data security leader Forcepoint today announced it has completed its acquisition of Getvisibility, a pioneer in AI-powered Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) and Data Detection and Response (DDR). This milestone expands Forcepoint’s Data Security Everywhere platform, giving organizations real-time visibility and control over data risk across hybrid cloud and GenAI environments.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250407199197/en/

The acquisition strengthens Forcepoint’s ability to deliver full-lifecycle data security—from discovery and classification to real-time risk mitigation—across hybrid environments, cloud platforms and GenAI ecosystems.

“Data moves fast—so does risk,” said Ryan Windham, CEO of Forcepoint. “By bringing Getvisibility fully into the Forcepoint family, we’re making it possible to see risk as it happens and stop it before it spreads. We built modern DLP—and now, together with Getvisibility, we’re building out AI Mesh and risk insights to understand, adapt and secure data before it’s lost or misused—while helping our customers embrace innovation with confidence.”

AI Mesh + Data Security Everywhere = Smarter, Faster Protection

Getvisibility’s patented AI Mesh technology—an interconnected network of fine-tuned, task-specific AI models—delivers exceptional accuracy and context in data discovery, classification, and risk-based prioritization and mitigation. These AI-driven DSPM and DDR capabilities now serve as a foundational layer within Forcepoint’s Data Security Everywhere architecture, giving customers a unified solution to:

Forcepoint and Getvisibility had partnered for over two years before the acquisition, delivering advanced DSPM and DDR capabilities to customers around the world. This combination makes deeper integration possible, enabling MSSPs, channel partners, enterprises, and government agencies to unlock the full power of AI to prevent data loss, meet compliance goals and mitigate cyber risk—without adding operational complexity.

“Our mandate has always been simple: help customers secure their data,” said Mark Brosnan, co-founder and CEO of Getvisibility. “Joining Forcepoint allows us to take that mission further and faster—bringing real-time risk visibility and automated protection to organizations operating in the most complex and high-stakes environments.”

As part of the transition, Brosnan joins Forcepoint as Global Engineering Lead for DSPM, and co-founder Ronan Murphy comes onboard as Chief Data Strategy Officer.

This acquisition is the next step in Forcepoint’s mission to redefine data security for the AI era – where data moves fast, and protection must move faster.

To learn more about Forcepoint’s Data Security Everywhere solutions, visit:
www.forcepoint.com/use-case/data-security-software-solutions

Paul Hastings LLP (U.S.) and O’Flynn Exhams LLP (Ireland) served as legal advisors to Forcepoint in the transaction.

Experience it at RSA 2025

During the week of the RSA conference, April 28-May 1, the company will provide hands-on opportunities with the company’s Data Security Everywhere portfolio including DLP, DSPM, DDR and AI-Mesh at the Forcepoint Experience Center on the fourth floor of the St. Regis San Francisco. Organizations that want to learn more and get demos can request a meeting.

For additional information, see:

About Forcepoint

Forcepoint simplifies security for global businesses and governments. The company’s Data Security Everywhere architecture makes it easy to adopt Zero Trust and prevent the theft or loss of sensitive data and intellectual property no matter where people are working. Based in Austin, Texas, Forcepoint creates safe, trusted environments for customers and their employees in more than 150 countries.

About Getvisibility

Getvisibility empowers organisations with comprehensive data visibility and context across all environments. Our tailored AI solutions seamlessly integrate with your technology landscape, continuously identify and rank risks, and proactively manage your protected surface.

Forcepoint CEO Ryan Windham, “By bringing Getvisibility fully into the Forcepoint family, we’re making it possible to see risk as it happens and stop it before it spreads."