Seems like it’s the festive season for everyone but Scott Boras. The super agent has come down a few pegs since his record-setting $765 million Juan Soto deal. First, it was Alex Bregman getting surprisingly shunned by the Houston Astros that showed a major chink in Boras’ armor. But little did he know that the Mets were also ready to poke the “Polar Bear” with their active lookout for a Pete Alonso replacement. 

Rumors have it that the Mets were in talks with first baseman Carlos Santana to upgrade their defensive lineup. Given that Alonso plays in the same position as him, it is evident that the Mets are opting for alternatives. And why not? With Boras pushing hard on the negotiations, reportedly trying to sign a deal above $138 million, the team is likely getting impatient. Turning down the 2023 offer of a $158 million extension for 7 years from the Mets, the Polar Bear was up for testing his free agency, which has so far been surprisingly quiet.

Despite being one of the most consistent players in the sport (he played all 162 games in 2024), Alonso’s market is dull. As pointed out by a National League scout, “Look, defensively, he is not the best, but he’s really good at scooping the ball, saving infielders from throwing mistakes and, overall, he is better than what he was.” (Per the Athletic). So, Alonso would put their lineup in an optimal position, with him being the perfect protection for Soto.

But more than the money, the contract length has become a concerning aspect because Pete Alonso is expecting to sign at least a six-year-long contract. And the Mets might not be completely open to that, not with their 15-year, $765 million commitment to Juan Soto. Signing a short-term deal with other players seems to be more attainable for the team. But then, Alonso’s slow decline cannot be denied (his 2024 numbers pale compared to previous years).

Does that mean the reunion probability between the New York Mets and Pete Alonso is null? Well, not yet, and the fast-moving First Basemen market gives assurance to that. The Mets’ most lucrative options have all signed with different teams. So, Scott Boras still can heap a sigh of relief. However, the Mets still have one feasible alternative—acquiring Alex Bregman. However, signing Bregman would require considerable changes to their lineup. More importantly, Bregman’s market too has collapsed since the Astros’ frustrations became visible.

Scott Boras negotiated too far that the Astros walked forward

It is what it is. The over-negotiation from Scott Boras did frustrate Houston, and Alex Bregman faced the consequence. The team traded outfielder Kyle Tucker and replaced him with corner infielder Isaac Paredes and later signed Walker, which closed the door for Alex. The general manager of the club, Dana Brown, pointed out how the stalled communications with Boras and Bregman led to this decision: “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back. But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there.”

So, with the Astros being unavailable, Bregman still remains a free agent, just like Pete Alonso. Nonetheless, Boras seemed to be stubborn, as he was unhappy with the Astros’ move, claiming, “Over time, teams learn if you’re running from leadership and talent, you’re running from the ultimate goal.” Being a baseball super agent, would Scott Boras still stand this ground and let the Mets sign someone else? Because with Juan Soto, the team did agree to the additional requisites put on the table by his agent, and as far as the talks are moving, Scott might again put his foot down. 

So, do you think the Mets will agree to the negotiations and reunite with Pete Alonso for another season(s)? Let us know in the comments.