Pete Alonso has ignited controversy across Major League Baseball with his response to reports suggesting a rift between him and his agent, Scott Boras. Amid swirling speculation that Alonso regrets rejecting the Mets’ previous contract offer, the slugger has remained steadfast in his support for Boras— a move that has left fans and analysts frustrated.

What started as whispers of tension between player and agent escalated after reports claimed Alonso was second-guessing Boras’ approach. The Mets had reportedly offered a seven-year, $158 million extension in 2023—an offer Alonso turned down, believing he could command far more in free agency. Yet, as weeks pass and the market remains lukewarm, frustration has boiled over within league circles.

Is Pete Alonso’s hesitation costing him a better future?

In a Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson Smith’s recent X post, MLB agents were reportedly informed that they are not allowed to contact Alonso directly—he must initiate any discussions himself. He wrote “A source said MLB agents have recently been informed they cannot contact Pete Alonso. This would have to be initiated by Alonso himself. Evidently, Alonso wants to continue working with his agent Scott Boras without hearing from other agents looking to poach him.”

This decision further reinforced his commitment to Boras, even as insiders suggest he is unhappy with how negotiations have unfolded. It also frustrated executives and rival agents, many of whom view Boras’ tactics as a roadblock rather than a benefit to players.

Further complicating matters, multiple reports claim Boras had negotiated a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, but Alonso ultimately rejected it. MetsCast even posted that “Boras has a deal all set with the Jays, but Pete has yet to sign it.” Alonso’s decision to turn down Toronto has fueled speculation that his preference remains a return to New York, despite the Mets showing little interest in meeting his demands.

For fans and insiders alike, the situation raises a crucial question: Has Alonso misplayed his free agency? At 30 years old and coming off a slightly down year, his leverage isn’t what it once was. While his power remains elite, defensive concerns and declining on-base numbers have made teams hesitant to commit to a long-term, massive deal.

Mets fans voice frustration: time running out for Alonso

The comment suggests that if the Blue Jays are no longer pursuing Pete Alonso, they should undermine Scott Boras’ leverage by urging the Mets to lower their offer rather than engaging in a bidding war. It reflects frustration with Boras’ negotiating tactics, which often involve inflating a player’s market value by pitting teams against each other. By collectively resisting these tactics, MLB general managers could force Boras clients to accept more reasonable deals instead of holding out for unrealistic contracts.

One enthusiast suggests that Scott Boras’ strategy of dragging out free agency to the final days—intended to maximize leverage and extract the best deals—has backfired. Teams have recognized the pattern and are now waiting him out, realizing that by the final weeks of free agency, Boras clients often have fewer suitors and may be forced to accept shorter or lower-value contracts. This shift in approach from front offices has led to several Boras clients signing late and, in some cases, settling for less than expected (e.g., Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell this offseason). Essentially, the leverage Boras once wielded is diminishing as teams adopt a more patient, disciplined approach.

This fan takes a jab at Scott Boras, suggesting that his once-dominant negotiating tactics are no longer working for “B+ level” stars like Pete Alonso. The idea is that Boras’ strategy of dragging out free agency to maximize the deal has left players like Alonso in limbo. They argue that Alonso should take charge of his own free agency instead of letting Boras dictate the process, hinting that a more direct approach might even convince Mets owner Steve Cohen to throw in a little extra cash to get a deal done. The “LOL” adds a playful, sarcastic tone, implying doubt that Cohen would actually budge.

The user speculates that Pete Alonso’s current contractual agreement with Scott Boras might be preventing him from cutting ties with the agent before he signs a new deal. Given the reported tensions and Alonso’s frustration with the free agency process, he might part ways with Boras once his next contract is secured. This would allow Alonso to take control of his own career moving forward without being tied to the agent’s strategies, particularly after what some perceive as missed opportunities during the negotiation process.

This comment suggests that Pete Alonso should consider returning to the Mets quickly before the team lowers its offer even further. It reflects the belief that Alonso and agent Scott Boras have misjudged his value in the current free agent market, possibly because of unrealistic expectations or a miscalculation of what teams are willing to pay. The longer Alonso holds out, the more the Mets—and potentially other teams—may be inclined to reduce their offers, leaving him in a worse position. The comment implies that Alonso’s hesitation could ultimately settle for a worse deal especially if he doesn’t act soon.

With spring training looming, Alonso’s market remains uncertain. Whether his loyalty to Boras proves to be a wise strategy or a costly miscalculation will become clear in the weeks ahead.