SHOW ME THE MONEY: Pete Alonso’s Agent Drops Bold Contract Demand in Mets Negotiations, Leaving Fans Wondering About the Star’s…
Pete Alonso’s negotiations with the New York Mets are becoming increasingly complex, as recent reports highlight contentious contract demands from his agent, Scott Boras. Talks between the four-time All-Star first baseman and the Mets have reportedly hit an impasse. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, Mets owner Steve Cohen described the negotiations with Alonso and Boras as “exhausting.” Cohen indicated that while the Mets had made a substantial offer, the counterproposals were not well-received due to their structure.
A key sticking point appears to be the specific demands within the contracts presented by Boras. As WFAN’s Evan Roberts explained on the Rico Brogna Podcast, Boras is proposing contracts that would require the Mets to pay Alonso additional money if he chooses to opt out of the deal. This arrangement has been perceived as heavily skewed in Alonso’s favor. Cohen’s earlier remark that the negotiations are “asymmetric against [the Mets]” seems to align with this development.
The controversy around these demands was further amplified during Cohen’s remarks at the Mets’ “Amazin’ Day” event. Reports suggest Cohen openly voiced his frustration about the proposed contract structures, which he found unfavorable.
Adding to the complexity is Alonso’s own proposal. In mid-January, reports surfaced that he had offered the Mets a three-year deal with opt-outs. Notably, this contract structure was reportedly extended exclusively to the Mets, despite interest from other teams. According to Sammon and Ken Rosenthal, Alonso’s market is heating up, with the Toronto Blue Jays and an unidentified third team joining the mix of potential suitors. However, the unresolved nature of the negotiations with the Mets complicates his free-agent journey.
Several factors seem to be working against Alonso in this situation. While he is a proven power hitter, his profile lacks some qualities that teams covet in today’s game. Specifically, he is not particularly athletic and offers limited positional versatility, as he is tied to first base. Additionally, his recent performance has been underwhelming. Over the past two seasons (2023 and 2024), Alonso has posted a .229/.324/.480 batting line with 80 home runs across 1,353 plate appearances. Although these numbers are solid, they reflect a decline compared to his earlier production. Alonso’s OPS has dropped for three consecutive years, and his 34 home runs in 2024 marked his lowest full-season total since entering the league.
The challenges in Alonso’s free agency are compounded by the missed opportunities earlier in his career. In 2023, the Mets reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158 million extension, which Alonso declined. At the time, Alonso and his camp likely believed he could secure a more lucrative deal, but his recent performance and market conditions have cast doubt on that decision. As negotiations continue to drag on, the optics of rejecting that extension look increasingly unfavorable for Alonso.
Boras’s unconventional contract proposals may also be impacting Alonso’s market. While the Blue Jays and at least one other team have shown interest, it’s unclear whether they would be willing to entertain the same demands that have stalled discussions with the Mets. Boras’s reputation for pushing aggressive terms on behalf of his clients is well-documented, but in this case, it could be contributing to a lack of progress in negotiations.
For the Mets, the stakes are high. Alonso has been a cornerstone player since debuting in 2019, earning multiple All-Star selections and becoming one of the league’s premier power hitters. Losing him would leave a significant void in their lineup and frustrate a fanbase that has grown to adore Alonso’s larger-than-life personality and contributions on the field. At the same time, the Mets are operating under new leadership and are attempting to take a disciplined approach to roster construction. Cohen’s remarks suggest the team is unwilling to acquiesce to demands they view as detrimental to their long-term flexibility.
As the offseason continues, the clock is ticking for both Alonso and the Mets to reach an agreement. For Alonso, the challenge lies in balancing his desire for a lucrative deal with the reality of his declining numbers and limited defensive versatility. For the Mets, the focus is on retaining a franchise player without compromising their financial strategy or principles. The involvement of other teams, such as the Blue Jays, adds another layer of urgency, as the Mets risk losing Alonso to a competitor if they fail to meet his terms.
Ultimately, the situation underscores the complexities of modern free agency, where contract negotiations are influenced by a wide range of factors, from on-field performance to team dynamics and market conditions. Alonso’s case is a reminder that even elite players must navigate these challenges carefully to achieve their desired outcomes. Meanwhile, the Mets face a difficult decision: hold firm in their approach or make concessions to retain one of their most recognizable stars.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the two sides will find common ground. What is evident, however, is that the process has been anything but smooth. Whether Alonso stays in New York or moves on to a new team, the saga serves as a fascinating case study in the high-stakes world of MLB contract negotiations.
