In a stunning turn of events, New York Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso has reportedly fired his long-time agent, Scott Boras, following the conclusion of a monumental contract negotiation. The move comes after Alonso signed a lucrative six-year, $174 million deal to remain with the Mets, a contract that will keep him in New York through the 2031 season.

Sources close to the situation have confirmed that the two parties have parted ways, marking an unexpected shift in Alonso’s representation just after securing one of the largest contracts in franchise history. The change in representation has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, as Scott Boras, one of the most powerful and influential agents in the sport, has long been known for securing massive contracts for his clients.

A Surprising Departure

Alonso’s decision to part ways with Boras is a surprising one, considering the agent’s reputation for negotiating high-profile deals for his clients. Boras has represented a number of elite athletes throughout the years, including superstars like Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Stephen Strasburg, among others. His ability to extract top dollar for his clients is well documented, and his track record in the sport has made him a fixture in baseball contract negotiations.

However, it appears that Alonso’s priorities shifted during the course of his negotiations with the Mets. The 29-year-old slugger, who has become one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball, seems to have made a strategic decision based on a variety of factors beyond just the financials. While the $174 million contract is a huge windfall for Alonso, the Mets’ willingness to make a significant financial commitment to keep him in New York was clearly a crucial point in his decision to extend his career with the team.

It’s important to note that although the deal is worth $174 million, it’s far below the record-setting contracts that Boras typically seeks for his clients, especially players of Alonso’s caliber. The shift away from Boras indicates that Alonso may be prioritizing stability, his long-term relationship with the Mets, and the desire to stay in a city where he has become a fan favorite.

Why Pete Alonso Left Scott Boras

The reason behind Alonso’s decision to fire Boras remains somewhat unclear, though it’s possible that the move was influenced by several factors. One potential reason for the parting of ways could be Alonso’s desire for more personal control over his career and negotiations. Boras is known for taking a hard-line approach in negotiations, often pushing for the highest possible salary regardless of team dynamics or market conditions. This aggressive style has worked in many cases, but it may not have been the right approach for Alonso, who may have preferred a more balanced and collaborative negotiating process.

Additionally, some reports suggest that Alonso may have grown weary of the long, drawn-out negotiations typical of Boras’s approach. The 2024 offseason saw multiple contract extensions drag out for players represented by Boras, and Alonso’s situation was no exception. It is believed that he was eager to reach a deal with the Mets, particularly with the club’s new ownership and management providing a renewed sense of direction and optimism for the future.

Sources close to the situation indicated that Alonso may have felt that a faster and more flexible negotiation process would have been beneficial for him, especially with the Mets’ ownership eager to lock up their young star for the foreseeable future.

The Mets’ Big Commitment

The Mets, under the ownership of Steve Cohen, have been on a spending spree in recent years, attempting to create a championship-caliber team. The deal with Alonso is part of a broader effort to solidify their lineup and ensure that one of the top power hitters in the game stays in New York for the long haul.

Alonso’s contract includes a significant amount of guaranteed money, and it is clear that the Mets are willing to pay a premium to keep the 2020 MLB Home Run Derby champion as the face of their franchise. The deal is structured to offer the slugger a guaranteed financial cushion while providing the Mets with a major building block for their future.

In a statement issued shortly after the deal was finalized, Mets general manager Billy Eppler praised Alonso’s consistency and leadership on the field, calling him “one of the most important players in the history of our franchise.” The six-year contract ensures that Alonso will remain a centerpiece of the Mets’ lineup, alongside other key players like Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte.

“We’re thrilled that Pete has committed to our organization long-term,” Eppler said. “His power, work ethic, and presence in the clubhouse are vital to our success moving forward. He’s the kind of player you build a championship team around, and we look forward to seeing him lead us into the future.”

Looking Ahead

As for Alonso, the focus will now shift to his future with the Mets and the potential for more success in Queens. Over the past few seasons, Alonso has firmly established himself as one of baseball’s top sluggers, consistently hitting 40 or more home runs and driving in over 100 RBIs in each of the last two seasons. His presence in the middle of the Mets’ order is expected to remain a cornerstone of their offensive strategy for the years to come.

The new contract also means that Alonso will be a central figure in the Mets’ quest to return to postseason glory. With the team poised for contention, the hope is that Alonso’s continued excellence at the plate will play a pivotal role in their championship aspirations.

As for his agent situation, it remains to be seen who will step in to represent Alonso moving forward. Given the high-profile nature of his career and the enormous financial stakes at play, it’s likely that Alonso will enlist a new agent to help manage his interests in the coming months. Whoever takes on the role will certainly face the challenge of keeping Alonso on track for continued success while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball contracts.

For now, Alonso’s focus is on helping the Mets win games, and the future of both his career and the Mets’ aspirations will be closely tied to his continued performance on the field.