Talks Stall Between Pete Alonso and Mets After Scott Boras’ Shocking Valuation Benchmark Comes to Light

The New York Mets’ negotiations with their star first baseman Pete Alonso have struck a dead end, mainly due to the salary term disagreements. Scott Boras, Pete’s agent, is expecting a contract valued at over $200 million, creating a sense of disparity between the player and the team. Meanwhile, the Mets were sure of securing a deal before Alonso entered free agency after the 2024 season, but the huge ask has halted the negotiations. Now, the Mets are dubious.

Guess what! The Mets are now looking out for other options. Given the fact if the negotiations go awry and things fall apart, they will be forced to make tough decisions. The Mets are prepared to dive into the market to replace Pete with a similar caliber player. Though hard, there are a few options to look out for. Now, it is up to the team who they want to put their money on. The next few weeks will be significant in deciding both the Mets’ and their star player Pete’s future.

The current state of the negotiations

Pete Alonso, a cornerstone of the Mets’ offense and a fan favorite, has been with the team since his debut in 2019. Known for his power-hitting and ability to drive in runs, Alonso’s place in the club’s future was seen as a priority for the franchise. However, negotiations on a long-term deal have faltered in recent months. Scott Boras, known for bagging huge contracts for his players, believes that Pete Alonso’s worth is well over $200 million. Now, the 30-year-old slugger’s future is hanging in the balance.

Taking into consideration, Alonso’s elite power-hitting abilities cementing himself as one of the league’s best players, Boras feels Pete’s huge amount worth is deserving. Meanwhile, the Mets are hesitant to meet these demands mainly due to their concerns regarding the long-term financial commitment and the market dynamics in baseball. Alonso’s overall defensive contributions and how his bat would age over a decade or more are central to the team’s hesitations. Though he is one of the league’s most consistent sluggers, would he still be able to deliver it in the long run?

This inability to meet Boras’s ask price has been frustrating for both the team and the player. MLB Analyst Andy Martino of SNY suggests that while the Mets had the surety of securing the deal, now the progress has come to a total halt as the two sides remain at odds over the terms of the extension. The team is prioritizing their long-term financial stability over signing a deal of such high magnitude. There is a high possibility that Alonso might have even hit the market, seeking someone who could fulfill his ask, leaving the Mets with no option but to find an alternative.

Potential options for the Mets

If the Pete Alonso deal doesn’t fall into the right place, the Mets would have no choice but to jump into the market. While it would be difficult for them to part ways, the void would be required to be filled. Signing a player who can provide offensive abilities similar to Alonso’s would be their priority. So, who could be their considerable alternatives to Pete Alonso?

Eyeing the replacement for 1B would be San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez. Given his .739 OPS in 2024, Luis’ power-hitting abilities and consistent league performances could be a fitting alternative. His versatility in playing different positions makes him a strong contender for the Mets’ offensive system. Another 1B replacement would be Boston Red Sox’s Triston Casas, who made his debut last season. With a .800 OPS last season, this young gun has proved his potential to cement himself as the long-term solution for the Mets’ problem.

Andy Martino also suggested potential replacements for adding an outfielder to the squad. Jesse Winker and Jurickson Profar turned out to be the standouts in that list. He also suggested the signing of Alex Bregman as an alternative but termed it as ‘the least likely Alonso alternative’.

As the Mets navigate through this tough spot, their reunion with Pete Alonso remains a question. What do you think awaits in the coming days? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.