Scott Boras, one of Major League Baseball’s most influential and outspoken agents, has broken his silence regarding the treatment of his client, New York Mets’ star first baseman Pete Alonso. Known for his no-nonsense approach to negotiations and player representation, Boras recently launched a blunt critique of the Mets’ handling of Alonso’s contract situation, demanding the respect due to one of the league’s premier sluggers.

A Showdown Over Respect

Boras’s comments come amidst growing speculation about Alonso’s future with the Mets, as he has entered the final stages of his arbitration-eligible years. Despite being one of the most consistent and powerful hitters in the MLB, Alonso has not yet been locked into a long-term deal, leading to a rift between his camp and the team. Boras, who has represented the likes of Bryce Harper, Max Scherzer, and others, pulled no punches in expressing his frustration with the Mets’ apparent reluctance to secure a deal for Alonso.

“Pete Alonso is one of the premier first basemen in the game today,” Boras stated in a rare public comment. “He is not just a power hitter but a cornerstone for a franchise. The Mets need to recognize the value of their top star and act accordingly, with respect, and offer him what he has earned.”

Boras is clearly irked by the Mets’ failure to act decisively in extending Alonso, particularly given the high value the 29-year-old has brought to the team. The first baseman is coming off a season where he hit 40+ home runs and continued to be a key offensive contributor for a Mets lineup that struggled at times.

Alonso’s Impact

Since making his MLB debut in 2019, Alonso has become one of the faces of the franchise, earning two All-Star selections and a reputation for his power-hitting prowess. With over 40 home runs in three seasons, Alonso is in elite company among first basemen and has been integral to the Mets’ offensive success.

Boras believes that the Mets’ ownership, led by Steve Cohen, should recognize Alonso’s market value and secure his future with the team. “We are in an era where stars demand—and deserve—their due. The Mets should act quickly to avoid sending a message of disrespect to their best player,” Boras added, pointing out that Alonso’s production over the years should warrant a lucrative, long-term extension.

A Tense Negotiation

Boras’s criticism underscores the tension between Alonso and the Mets’ front office, which has been noticeable for much of the past season. While the Mets have been known for their aggressive spending, particularly in the pitching department with stars like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, they have been less willing to invest long-term in their position players, especially younger talents.

Alonso, having proven his worth both as a power hitter and as a leader in the clubhouse, has long been seen as the face of the franchise. Boras’s frustration is rooted in the perceived lack of urgency on the Mets’ part to lock him up, a situation that could potentially lead to Alonso testing free agency when the time comes.

“If they wait too long, they could lose him,” Boras warned. “And in a game like baseball, where player movement is constant, you can’t afford to wait until a star player is on the verge of free agency before offering them the respect and the deal they deserve.”

The Bigger Picture: Mets’ Long-Term Strategy

Boras’s comments also serve as a broader reminder that the Mets need to ensure they are making the right long-term decisions regarding their roster. After a disappointing 2023 season, the Mets are rethinking their strategy, with an emphasis on building a sustainable future. However, the lack of progress on Alonso’s extension signals potential issues when it comes to aligning their financial commitments with their on-field product.

As of now, it remains unclear whether the Mets will engage in serious negotiations with Alonso in the near future. Given the volatile nature of the MLB free-agent market, where stars like Alonso can command enormous contracts, the Mets may be reluctant to extend a massive offer without evaluating all their options.

Conclusion

Scott Boras’s critique of the Mets is a bold move in an ongoing negotiation, but it is not unexpected from one of the most vocal agents in the sport. His message is clear: the Mets must offer Pete Alonso the respect and financial commitment that befits one of the game’s top first basemen. With Alonso’s future up in the air, the Mets will need to make a critical decision—either secure their star’s future or risk losing him to free agency, all while maintaining their ambitions for a competitive team.

As Boras aptly put it, “This is a player who should be treated like the star he is, and the Mets need to act before it’s too late..