LAS VEGAS— Metz won't be the only high-spending club interested in Pete Alonso this winter. Just ask superagent Scott Boras, who represents the slugging first baseman and held one of his annual media sessions at the general managers' meeting Wednesday in Las Vegas.
“There is no doubt that Pete’s pursuers are willing to pay the domineering piper first,” Boras said. “Pete picked the perfect time to play primarily in the first position. The withered playoff crowd will pounce to take part in the Polar Fall.”
If Alonso picks up a piece of pickled pepper later this offseason, Boras will clearly be delighted.
All jokes and alliteration aside, Alonso's prodigious power will play a crucial role in the Mets' offseason plans. The Mets lineup needs his presence to protect Juan Soto. He is one of the faces of the franchise, a fan favorite and can handle the challenges of playing in New York.
What about Alonso's breakable defense at first base? The metrics show that Alonso is a poor defender with terrible range, and while he can win the ball and seek out shots from his teammates, he is not up to par talk about prevention that's what President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is pursuing this offseason.
Boras said Wednesday that Alonso is committed to continuing to play designated hitter starting in 2026.
“I think Pete, at this point in his career, is without a doubt focused on winning,” Boras said.
It's good news for the Mets if Alonso is open to this scenario, as they consider the risks associated with signing a player his age to a long-term contract.
Later Wednesday afternoon, Stearns was asked about Boras' comments and whether Alonso's desire to remain at DH would change how he fits into the Mets' plans.
“Pete is obviously a very good hitter, and I think for any team to be able to put their bat in the lineup in multiple ways is beneficial,” Stearns said. “It’s good to know Pete is open to things like this.”
Boras will always praise his clients. This is his job. But he had every right to comment on Alonso's value on Wednesday. After all, Alonso has been one of the best, toughest and most consistent hitters in the sport since his career began with the Mets. He's also putting together another impressive campaign at the plate. Using another Boras pun, the agent called Alonso's tenacity “the persistence of a thick-skinned man.” The platoon includes other first basemen in the entire league “except Pete.”
“Don't get me wrong,” Boras said, “power, performance, punishing pitchers, they're fully aware of his skills, but I think what they're looking at the most is the key element of what he can do to give the team consistency in 40 home runs, power and production, because they just aren't finding it.”
Boras continued: “He's in so many ways, from producer to the middle of the roster, the perfect franchise player. He plays every day, and it's clear that New York fans relate to someone who looks like a blue-collar guy, who is who Pete is.”
However, the Mets and Alonso will have to match price and contract length if the first baseman is going to return again this winter.
Whether Alonso will have another opportunity in another market to play first base remains to be seen. Perhaps it could tip the scales in his long-awaited decision if another contender offers to play him at first base every day and the Mets don't. At least for now, positioning doesn't seem to be a factor in his plays.
What we do know is that Stearns doesn't have a “set philosophy” when it comes to designated hitters and how much money they should make.
Right now, with Alonso a free agent, the Mets don't have a clear DH. Bring Alonso back and he could be used there often. If he goes and wears a different uniform on Opening Day next spring, he will have other inside and outside options.
“We have a few players who could see action at DH, but we don't have anyone living there right now, so that opportunity is open,” Stearns said. “And if we've worked that way in the offseason, it'll work out great. If we get to Opening Day and we don't have that established position, I also think that will ensure [manager Carlos Mendoza] with some flexibility to move some guys around there. So I don’t think there’s one right or wrong way to do it.”
Stearns also made no secret of the Mets' interest in reuniting with Alonso this week. The same goes for closer Edwin Diaz, who also opted out this offseason.
“We love both Pete and Edwin,” Stearns said Tuesday. “They've been great representatives of the organization. We'd love to have both of them back. It's really hard to predict any outcome at this point in the offseason, but of course we'd love to have both of those guys back.”
If you purchase a product or register an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site you agree to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions and personal information may be collected, recorded and/or stored by us, social networks and other third party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
