Things are getting spicy by the day with Pete Alonso, the New York Mets, and Scott Boras. In a highly unlikely scenario for any other time, an owner has publicly expressed his displeasure with how things are going. Steve Cohen, just a few days back, mentioned that all the presented predicaments are not enticing. “Very asymmetrical against us,” said Cohen. They might have to move forward without Pete Alonso. Now this isn’t what the fans want to hear, but this, at the end of the day, is business, and this is reality.
Scott Boras’ terms demanded higher payouts and opt-out clauses, which Cohen isn’t a fan of. And clearly, his public acknowledgment shows his frustrations. However, while the door to the Mets is very likely closed, Pete Alonso is not out of options. Now, it seems Polar Bear didn’t like the Cohen and Scott Boras beef. And as a result, he might not be in for another round of negotiations but sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Blue Jays emerge as frontrunners in Polar Bear’s pursuit
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For the shortest time, the Los Angeles Angels seemed to be pursuing Pete Alonso. However, as quickly as that news grabbed headlines, it fizzled out even sooner. Now the most likely frontrunners are the Blue Jays. MetsCast posted on X, “Andy Martino is correct, folks; Boras has a deal all set with the Jays, but Pete has yet to sign it. He was apparently swayed to wait because of what transpired at Amazin Day.” It was on Amazin’ Day that Steve Cohen mentioned that he didn’t like the structures presented to them.
Now if this is true, it might be huge not just for Pete Alonso but also for the Toronto Blue Jays. They were looking to bolster their lineup, and this is it. With a core of talented players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Alonso will only increase their chances of becoming a championship-worthy team.
Even insiders like ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicted that Alonso would sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. “No doubt: Guerrero, Alonso, and Anthony Santander would provide a power-packed middle of the order to a lineup that ranked 26th in the majors in home runs. If Bo Bichette bounces back from his lost 2024, then you have a team that can score enough runs to make the playoffs,” mentioned Schoenfield. But while the Jays have much to gain, losing Pete Alonso might be costly for the Mets.
Mets fans rally for Pete Alonso’s return
The Pete Alonso chaos is only increasing as the spring training approaches. And things did get out of hand during the Mets’ recent Amazin’ Day event. Loud chants were heard from fans, “We want Pete.” It’s clear the New York Mets fans want their beloved first baseman back. So Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns had to acknowledge the crowd saying, “We all love Pete.” However, he also reminded fans about the business side of baseball. But fans wanting Alonso is not going in vain. In fact, the Mets’ former GM Jim Duquette has weighed in on the importance of Alonso’s return.
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Speaking on MLB Network, Duquette discussed how without the Florida-born slugger, the Mets might struggle. He praised Mark Viento’s potential while addressing the challenges of filling in Pete Alonso’s shoes. “They’re over-evaluating Mark Vientos’ ability to protect Soto. It’s a whole different ball game in your second full season. It’s a league. It starts to catch up with you a little bit, and you’re hitting right behind Juan Soto every single time, and when the game’s on the line, they’re likely going to pitch around Soto and go to Vientos,” shared Jim.
Duquette blatantly said, “It’s not just that they have a hole at first base, and the other options aren’t very good. That lineup isn’t that good; it’s better than it was last year, but it’s not that good overall.” Well, even though there seems to be a need for Pete in the bullpen, the possibility only seems less.
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What do you think? Will Alonso end up in New York again?