Insider addresses wild Alonso contract request report amid Mets rumors

New York Mets followers and others throughout the MLB neighborhood have been downright shocked when Bob Nightengale of USA At this time reported earlier this week that agent Scott Boras had been utilizing the nine-year, $214M deal that former slugger Prince Fielder obtained from the Detroit Tigers in 2012 as a comparability for what free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso ought to get this offseason. 

Throughout Wednesday’s version of his weekly Bleacher Report livestream, MLB insider Jon Heyman instantly mentioned that Alonso is “not gonna get a nine-year deal” from the Mets or some other membership. 

“The difficulty with the Mets is the size of the deal,” Heyman mentioned about why Alonso hasn’t but re-signed with what’s been his solely MLB house since he made his large league debut in 2019, as shared by the SNY web site. “Proper now we’re Alonso wanting no less than a six-year deal.”

It is now clear no membership that started free company in want of a primary baseman was ever prepared to offer such a deal to Alonso. A handful of groups have already addressed the place by way of different transactions, and most business insiders imagine the 30-year-old’s camp will ultimately have to just accept a three- or four-year contract that can embody a number of opt-outs. 

“I feel the Mets are the more than likely staff, and I’ve thought so for some time,” Heyman mentioned early into the Bleacher Report clip about Alonso’s short-term future. “They’ve a gaping gap at first base proper now…Alonso’s on the market. They want a primary baseman. Finally, I feel that’s the more than likely state of affairs.”

The Mets want lineup safety for Juan Soto following their historic signing of the All-Star outfielder. Moreover, the truth that Alonso is a beloved fan favourite who’s on tempo to turn out to be the franchise’s all-time chief in profession house runs can’t be ignored. As just lately as Wednesday, former Mets captain and staff legend David Wright actively campaigned for Alonso to stay a one-club man for so long as potential. 

“It’s a special feeling while you’re drafted, developed and taking part in for the staff that gave you your first alternative,” Wright mentioned. 

Boras and Co. might say it solely takes one membership to match Alonso’s contract requests, however Heyman indicated on Wednesday no such staff exists this winter. That actuality signifies that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and staff proprietor Steve Cohen ought to have leverage in negotiations with Boras.