
USA Today via Reuters
May 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) walks back to the dugout after hitting into a double play during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) walks back to the dugout after hitting into a double play during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Pete Alonso is like a puzzle sitting on a table right now because no one seems to know where he fits. For the longest time, everyone thought that Scott Boras was playing the waiting game and Alonso would most likely sign with the New York Mets. After all, he is a fan favorite, too, right? Well, everyone was wrong! Seems like the reality is different, and Jon Heyman mentioned there is a sizable gap between the Met’s offer and Alonso’s demand.
Turns out that was an understatement coming from Heyman. Because news has surfaced that the Mets offered Alonso $90 million. The amount that Pete Alonso and Boras put forth was north of $200 million. Given that the difference is huge, the negotiations have kind of hit a wall. The Mets have been linked with Alex Bregman for quite a while, but it turns out he isn’t the only person they focused on. Newsday’s Tim Healey delivered the belated rumor that the Mets had approached Teoscar Hernández before he headed to LA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Mets prioritize others in off-season
Actions speak louder than words, and the Mets pursuing Teoscar Hernandez says a lot about their priorities. Tim Healey mentioned that the Mets offered Hernandez a two-year deal this week. But well, Hernandez chose to wear the Dodger blue and opted for a three-year, $66 million contract. The Mets going after the Dodger star just highlights, that Alonso isn’t the Mets’ only priority now. But not all hope is lost for Polar Bear!
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Where do you buy MLB tickets online?
Ticketmaster
TickPick
StubHub
SeatGeek
Is trading Rafael Devers the right move for the Boston Red Sox?
Yes, it's time for a change
No, he's too valuable
Depends on the trade offer
Not sure
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
Is the Angels' mismanagement of Angel Stadium a bigger threat to the franchise than their on-field performance?
Yes, it's a huge issue
No, on-field performance is worse
Both are equally damaging
Not sure
Do you think Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes' relationship will withstand the pressures of fame and professional sports?
Yes, they seem solid
No, fame will get in the way
It's too early to tell
They should focus on their careers
Is it hypocritical for Red Sox fans to criticize the Yankees for using torpedo bats when their own team tried them too?
Yes, it's hypocritical
No, it's different circumstances
Both teams are at fault
It's just part of the rivalry
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
AD
Source: The Mets offered Teoscar Hernandez a two-year contract this week, before he went back to the Dodgers for three years and $66 million.
It would’ve been a big plus for the lineup — and maybe put Brandon Nimmo back in center? — in their effort to add around Juan Soto.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) December 28, 2024
Jon Heyman did mention that while power hitter markets are fewer right now, Alonso has some teams interested in him. Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays are potential landing spots that Heyman mentioned. But let’s highlight the elephant in the room: the number Alonso has set. The $200 million number is extremely high for a first baseman with less defensive engagement. So it’s unlikely that Pete Alonso would get what he is asking. Plus, the hitters’ free agent market isn’t handing out the hefty contracts. The $66 million Hernandez got is a proof of that. So Alonso might have to bend the knee on this one.
Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernandez rejecting the offer isn’t that surprising. Not only because he wanted to remain a Dodger but also because he didn’t fit in with the New York Mets. With a lineup with Juan Soto, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte already crowding the outfield, Teo avoided getting caught in positional juggling. Teoscar Hernandez chose to thrive in the Dodger lineup that is anchored by NL MVP Shohei Ohtani.
Alonso warned about Scott Boras
Pete Alonso was meant to go to the Mets, and so was Alex Bregman, who was meant to go to the Houston Astros. But they both find themselves lost in the market. The one thing they have in common is their agent, Scott Boras. Now Boras is the same agent that made that incredible $765 million deal of Soto happen. But he hasn’t been able to extend the same service to the positional players. It’s almost like history is repeating itself because this isn’t the first time Boras’ clients are having a hard time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Just in 2023, Boras clients like Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, and Jordan Montgomery all ended up signing low deals. They waited too long, and the market closed in. Not only that, some even faced performance issues. SNY’s Heating Up the Stove panel’s John Jastremski recently warned Alonso about Scott Boras. “Look at what happened to Jordan Montgomery last year. That’s exhibit A. If I’m a client, if I’m a prospective free agent, I don’t want to be waiting in March or April figuring out where I’m playing baseball. Even Snell, who rounded into form in the second half of the year, got off to a rocky start.” Jastremski urged Alonso to make sure Boras helped him secure a deal soon.
Scott Boras is known to play the long game, but it seems like the tactic is something most teams are aware of now. Maybe Pete Alonso needs to sit and reassess his options. What do you think?
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
Is Pete Alonso's $200 million demand realistic, or is he overestimating his market value?
Have an interesting take?