Pete Alonso’s free agency has taken an unexpected move. Once expected to land a massive long-term deal, the power-hitting first baseman now finds himself in limbo with Spring Training around the corner. His options? Shrinking fast.

But here’s where things get spicy—the Cincinnati Reds have quietly entered the conversation. Initially, they weren’t even on the radar. The Reds now appear to be assessing the possibility of adding Alonso on a short-period deal. Reports say that Cincinnati could provide a deal to Alonso with early opt-outs. It will enable the player to reestablish his market before testing free agency again. Could this unexpected move benefit them?

Are the Reds trying to pull off a sneaky power move?

The Cincinnati Reds had been focused on establishing their young core, with a vital free-agent splash not appearing likely. But, things began to transform when rumors began swirling.

So…what changed?

The Reds lack a true power-hitting first baseman. In 2024, they finished middle of the pack in home runs, with 190, ranked 14th. In addition, the team’s slugging percentage was just .409, ranked 16th. Joey Votto’s departure left a void in offensive production. In such a situation, could Pete Alonso be the missing piece that could propel the team into true contention?

That is where Pete Alonso comes in.

The three-time All-Star is one of baseball’s most consistent power hitters. However, his performance in 2024 slightly decreased. However, in 2023, he crushed 46 home runs with 118 RBIs, posting a .821 OPS. His addition would fill the Reds’ power gap. In addition, Alonso has been a fan favorite wherever he has played, energizing the Mets’ fanbase with clutch performances. He has also performed in high-pressure moments, hitting 16 career postseason home runs.

Based on Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Reds could offer Pete Alonso a contract with “early opt-outs“. It’s a win-win for both. Alonso gets a strong AAV (average annual value) and a chance to cash in later, while the Reds add a proven slugger without a long-term commitment. But here’s the real question: How did Alonso end up in this position in the first place?

Pete Alonso’s free agency twist

Pete Alonso’s free agency took an unexpected turn, as his market stagnated in a way few anticipated. The New York Mets seemed like the obvious choice to keep the power-hitting first baseman. But they weren’t willing to commit long-term. They reportedly offered around $200 million, but Alonso’s camp wanted more. Then, the Cubs entered the mix. However, they were concerned with committing a vital portion of their budget to Alonso, given their current roster needs and plans for roster depth. Still, the Cubs reportedly made a three-year offer worth around $100 million. But, his camp turned it down and asked for more security on a long-term deal.

A vital aspect in Pete Alonso’s free agency delay? His agent, Scott Boras. He is famous for his capability to secure record-breaking deals. However, in Alonso’s situation, Boras’s approach backfired. Teams seeking a power bat have cheaper options, like, J.D. Martinez and Mitch Haniger. This approach has also affected other players, like, Alex Bregman, who is also a free agent. It is enhancing questions related to whether Boras’s negotiating approaches are still as effective in a quickly transforming market.

The situation remains uncertain for Pete Alonso. Fans eagerly await to see where their favorite power hitter will land, however, time is running out. Will Alonso remain unsigned as teams hesitate? Will he take a short-period deal and prove his worth once again? If he joins a team at the Cincinnati Reds, he could fill the team’s power-hitting void and help to get another World Series title since 1990. It will definitely add a defining milestone to Pete Alonso’s already impressive career. Where do you think Alonso will end up?