The Yankees showed no interest, and Scott Boras may have played a major role in that decision…
In a surprising twist, a new report
suggests that superstar agent Scott Boras
played a major role in why the New York
Yankees never seriously pursued Mets
slugger Pete Alonso. With Alonso’s future
uncertain as he enters the final year of
his contract, many assumed the Yankees
—always in the mix for power hitters—
would at least explore the possibility of
adding the three-time All-Star. However,
it now appears that Boras’ involvement
may have kept the Bronx Bombers away
from the negotiating table.
Alonso’s Uncertain Future with the Mets
Alonso, one of baseball’s premier power
hitters, is set to become a free agent after
the 2024 season, and his long-term future
with the New York Mets remains up in
the air. While Mets owner Steve Cohen
has shown a willingness to spend big to
retain star players, contract negotiations
with Alonso have not progressed
significantly.
Trade rumors swirled throughout the
2023 season, with teams like the Chicago
Cubs and San Francisco Giants
expressing interest. But one team that
was notably absent from discussions was
the Yankees—a team that has never
shied away from acquiring elite
sluggers.
Boras Factor: Yankees’ Reluctance to Engage?
According to sources close to the
situation, the Yankees’ hesitation to enter
the Alonso sweepstakes can be traced
back to one key figure: Scott Boras. The
super-agent, known for securing record-
breaking contracts for his clients,
represents Alonso, and his reputation for
drawn-out, high-priced negotiations may
have turned the Yankees off.
The Yankees have historically had a
complicated relationship with Boras,
often clashing over contract demands.
While they have signed Boras clients in
the past, such as Gerrit Cole, the front
office has been wary of engaging in long,
drawn-out negotiations that could
disrupt their roster-building strategy.
Alonso, who is expected to command a
massive deal exceeding $200 million, fits
the profile of a Boras-led bidding war.
Given the Yankees’ financial
commitments to stars like Aaron Judge
and Cole, adding another mega-contract
might not have been an ideal move.
Did the Yankees Make a Mistake?
Some Yankees fans and analysts believe
the team should have at least explored
an Alonso deal. With Anthony Rizzo
coming off an injury-plagued season and
the Yankees looking to bolster their
lineup, adding a power bat like Alonso
could have been a game-changing
move.
Others, however, support the Yankees’
decision to steer clear of a potential
Boras-driven saga. Instead of getting
involved in a high-priced battle for
Alonso, the team has focused on other
roster upgrades, including the
blockbuster trade for Juan Soto.
What’s Next for Alonso?
While the Yankees may not be in the mix,
Alonso’s free agency will be one of the
biggest storylines of the 2024-25
offseason. If the Mets fail to extend him,
expect a bidding war among teams
looking for a franchise-altering power
hitter.
For now, one thing seems clear: The
Yankees weren’t interested, and Scott
Boras may have been a big reason why.
