The New York Mets’ attempts to retain star first baseman Pete Alonso in the offseason ended unsuccessfully, with both sides failing to bridge a significant financial gap.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets offered Alonso a three-year contract valued between $68 million and $70 million.
The deal was rejected, leading the team to shift focus away from Alonso and toward other potential acquisitions.
Unfortunately for Alonso, he bet on himself – and he lost.
Reports indicate that Alonso’s representatives had previously proposed a three-year contract at a value far exceeding the Mets’ offer.
While the Mets countered with a deal surpassing the three-year, $60 million contract the Houston Astros gave Christian Walker earlier this offseason, it was not enough to secure Alonso’s commitment.
Alonso has been a cornerstone for the Mets since debuting in 2019, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors after smashing 53 home runs and driving in 120 RBIs.
Over his six-year tenure with the franchise, he has earned four All-Star selections. However, his performance has declined in recent years.
In 2024, Alonso posted a slash line of .240/.329/.459 with 34 home runs, 88 RBIs, and a career-worst .788 OPS. His 172 strikeouts underscored ongoing struggles at the plate.
While he certainly had his moments in the postseason, the fact of the matter is Alonso remains a free agent as the 2025 season quickly approaches.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing another high-profile free agent: Alex Bregman.
The infielder, a two-time All-Star, has drawn interest from the Cubs, but only under the condition of a short-term agreement.
Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reported that the Cubs are very much alive in the Bregman sweepstakes. However, much like Alonso, his asking price would have to come down.
“As third baseman Alex Bregman’s free agency continues with his destination unknown, there could be a union with the Cubs down the road if he’s willing to accept a shorter-term contract,” Levine said.
“Recently, powerful agent Scott Boras, who represents Bregman, had casual discussions with the Cubs, who aren’t interested in a long-term contract.”
The Cubs are reportedly willing to offer Bregman a three-year contract with opt-out clauses after the first two seasons. Such a structure would give Bregman the flexibility to test free agency again if the partnership proves less than ideal.
Adding Bregman would bolster Chicago’s roster as they aim for a return to the postseason in 2025.
With Matt Shaw, a promising prospect with limited Triple-A experience, currently projected as the team’s starting third baseman, signing Bregman would provide a proven presence at the hot corner.
Although Bregman is coming off a relatively modest season – hitting .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs – his career numbers remain impressive.
Over nine MLB seasons, he has maintained a .272 batting average, hit 191 home runs, and accumulated 663 RBIs.
Most attractive of all is the fact that Bregman is a proven winner.
If the Cubs and Bregman finalize a deal, it could be a mutually beneficial arrangement.
A strong season from Bregman would enhance Chicago’s playoff chances and allow the team to evaluate the partnership before committing further.
However, even a short-term addition could prove pivotal for a Cubs lineup looking to compete at the highest level.
Needless to say, the curious case of both Alonso and Bregman’s free agencies involve one common denominator: Agent Scott Boras.
At the end of the day, where do you think both Alonso and Bregman will end up???
