Mets slugger Pete Alonso hires Scott Boras

Extending power-hitting and fan-favorite slugger Pete Alonso may have just become more expensive for the New York Mets. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has hired Scott Boras as his new agent, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. 

Alonso is set to be a free agent following the 2024 season. 

The Mets and Alonso reportedly talked about a long-term deal last winter but never came close to an agreement. Reports at the time characterized the sides as "not in the same ballpark" but the club has never ruled out revisiting those conversations, even when rumblings began to pop up in advance of the trade deadline that Alonso may be available. 

It's a bit unclear exactly what the Mets intentions are now that David Stearns has taken over running the club's baseball operations. Stearns has indicated that he expects Alonso to be the club's starting first baseman in April -- which would seemingly rule out an offseason trade -- but that doesn't speak to the future beyond 2024. 

Scott Boras has a history of taking his players to free agency rather than exploring contract extensions, but as Heyman points out, he and the Mets do have a positive working relationship from recent deals for Max Scherzer and Brandon Nimmo. Early in his career, Alonso never shied from his desire to remain in New York but it's unclear if that remains the case. At least one recent report has suggested he's considering other options, including having at least some interest in playing for the Cubs.

Pete Alonso should be a Met when the 2024 season begins but beyond that remains to be seen. Hiring Scott Boras to represent him, however, should be a fruitful move regardless where he ends up playing long term.