"Pete Alonso's aim is...Freddie Freeman got $162M" - MLB insider talks Mets 4x All-Star turning down extension before Scott Boras hire
MLB analysts Jeff Blair, Kevin Barker and Kiley McDaniel discussed Pete Alonso's future on Wednesday's episode of "Blair and Barker" on Sportsnet. Alonso is set to become a free agent once the 2024 season ends.
Alonso has struggled this season, and there were rumors he might be traded at the trade deadline. However, this did not happen. Despite being reportedly offered an extension in the region of $158 million, Pete Alonso decided to hold out for an improved offer in the final year of his contract. Eventually, the New York Mets' first baseman hired 'super-agent' Scott Boras to aid negotiations.
Boras is one of the most influential agents in baseball, with his clientele including some of the biggest names in the sport. Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, Jose Altuve, Cody Bellinger, and Gerrit Cole are some of the players represented by the Boras Corporation.
Scott is known for his ability to pinpoint and leverage advantageous positions for his clients, and Alonso will be hoping for more of the same in his case.
"Most teams think he's a low nine figure, call it a 100-125 million kind of player," Kiley said. "He's already turned down with his agents a number comparable with that. I think his aim is to get into the area of like Freddie Freeman [who] got 162 (Million) as a comparable player, I think Freeman was a better player but a couple of years older." (36:38)
"If it's going to be in the 150-160 (million) area and Cohen decides he wants to keep this player, they're just going to figure out a way to give them a number they want and wrap the whole thing up."
Pete Alonso homers as Mets win in Arizona
The New York Mets won the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-3 on Tuesday. The visitors took control early, scoring all their runs within the first five innings.
The home side rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh, but it proved a little too late. Sean Manaea registered his latest quality start as he struck out 11 and gave up 3 runs in 6.2 innings.
Pete Alonso got his side on the board, hitting a solo home run in the top of the second inning. In a season where he has struggled for consistency, Mets fans will be hoping Tuesday's blast leads to more of the same in upcoming games. Pete Alonso's stats for the 2024 season stand at a .245 batting average, 28 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Next, the Mets take on the Diamondbacks again for game two of three, with a win clinching the series for the visitors. With both sides firmly in the race for the NL wildcard spots, Wednesday's clash promises to be another thriller at Chase Field.