Pete Alonso’s Contract Saga: A Tale of Unmet Expectations
The Situation
Supposed super-agent Scott Boras is not doing his client, Pete Alonso, any favors this winter. The slugging first baseman, who has been the National League’s preeminent power-hitter since his 2019 debut with the New York Mets, remains unsigned. A significant gulf separates his contract wishes from the reality of the market.
The Complicated Negotiations
It has been known since last season that Alonso and Boras want to reset the first-baseman market. They turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension from the Mets last summer in an attempt to earn a $200 million-plus deal. Unfortunately, Alonso’s play did not help those prospects. He posted a career-low .788 OPS with 34 home runs and 88 RBI.
Market Reality
Multiple teams are interested in the first baseman, including the Mets, who have remained adamant about wanting a reunion at the right price. The issue is that a shorter term with a higher average annual value (AAV) is the most likely route that will be taken with Alonso’s next contract.
A Disconnect
Boras does not appear privy to that memo, though. A report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Tuesday divulged that he and Alonso are looking for a contract reminiscent of the nine-year, $214 million pact ($23.78 million AAV) Prince Fielder signed with the Detroit Tigers prior to the 2012 season. Fielder was 28 at the time of the deal, two years younger than Alonso currently is, and was far more productive the year prior, posting a .981 OPS with 38 home runs and 120 RBI. A neck injury forced him to retire after five seasons of that deal.
The Consequences of Inaction
Interested parties like the Mets, Los Angeles Angels, and San Francisco Giants are obviously unwilling to go there. The more time passes, the more concessions Alonso and Boras will be forced to make. Time is already starting to wane. Pitchers and catchers report for spring training in five weeks.
Conclusion
Pete Alonso’s contract saga has become a hot topic in the baseball world, with many wondering what the future holds for the slugging first baseman. With the market not meeting his expectations, it remains to be seen how this situation will play out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current status of Pete Alonso’s contract negotiations?
- Alonso remains unsigned, with his agent, Scott Boras, seeking a deal that exceeds $200 million.
- Which teams are interested in signing Pete Alonso?
- The Mets, Los Angeles Angels, and San Francisco Giants are among the teams showing interest in Alonso.
- What is the market reality for Pete Alonso’s next contract?
- A shorter term with a higher average annual value (AAV) is the most likely route that will be taken with Alonso’s next contract.
- What is the next step for Pete Alonso?
- With time running out, Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, will need to reassess their expectations and consider alternative options.
