NY Mets Monday Morning GM: Scott Boras had his bluff called on Pete Alonso offer

We went into the weekend wondering if the New York Mets were ready to blink on whatever offer Scott Boras brought to the table regarding Pete Alonso. The star first baseman remains a free agent and one of the most talked-about topics in regards to the Mets. It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten about Juan Soto existing.

Jim Duquette’s report of an exclusive offer from Boras on Alonso’s behalf that included a three-year deal with opt outs was rather vague. Notably missing was the dollar amount. More than the rumored $90 million over three years or less? Most likely, more.

The Mets don’t seem ready to budge on any offer Scott Boras makes them to retain Pete Alonso

Nothing has changed for the Mets or any other team to make Alonso more tempting. Alonso is still coming off of a shaky season where hitting in the clutch was his biggest weakness. He lost some favor with fans this past year because of the poor performance. Slowly but surely, fans have gravitated toward viewing Francisco Lindor as the heart and soul of the ball club. It’ll be even easier with Soto around to pack in the missing punch.

The game of musical chairs with first basemen is long over with Christian Walker signing, Nathaniel Lowe getting traded, and the Tampa Bay Rays holding onto Yandy Diaz. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is getting parked in Toronto for at least a few more months. It’s the Mets or no one for Alonso unless his agent is waiting for someone to get hurt in the spring and a desperate team opens up their wallet for a replacement.

The business side of baseball doesn’t have to be ugly. Surely, with all of the Boras clients Steve Cohen has paid, is paying, and will continue to pay, there’s an understanding of the game that’s being played. This isn’t personal against Alonso or anyone else. It’s people doing their job. The Mets’ aim is to sign quality players on their terms. A far simpler job description is the one for Boras whose sole purpose is to make as much money as possible for his clients and himself.

Suggesting a contract offer was an exclusive one for the Mets only works when the team is sweating. Stearns barely feels the heat in this situation. He has had the advantage all along and continues to.

How far off the two sides are on dollar value is what seems to be the hold-up. Three years is ideal for what the Mets are trying to accomplish. So, who blinks first and shows a willingness to compromise?