Top Takeaways From Scott Boras’ Winter Meetings Media Availability

At the Winter Meetings, Boras said the interest in Alonso has permeated throughout the league.

“Of all the teams we met with, not one doesn’t want Pete to play first base,” Boras said. “There’s a lot said about his defense, but we’re learning it’s very positive, because they don’t have any first basemen where they can play every day in the field and carry the offensive thrust up.”

The 31-year-old appeared in 162 of his team’s regular season games in each of the last two seasons, making him one of only two position players around the league to do so.

Increased Activity in Pittsburgh?

After a 71-91 and a 10th consecutive year missing the postseason, the Pirates are suddenly under added pressure to make an effort to improve the team on the field.

In 2025, Paul Skenes became the first Pirate to win the NL Cy Young award since Doug Drabek in 1990. With a controllable star on the roster, Pittsburgh needs to build around one of the best pitchers in the league.

According to Spotrac, the Pirates ranked 23rd in total payroll in 2025, and have been a constant at the bottom of that list for several years. Keeping this precedent and failing to make tangible improvements to the roster while Skenes is at the peak of his powers would be a problematic look for the organization.

It was recently reported that the Pirates made an four-year offer to DH Kyle Schwarber that likely topped $100 million before he signed a five-year, $150 million deal with their cross-state rival in Philadelphia.

Although the Pirates did not land Schwarber, Boras indicates the team may still be making an effort to be active in the free agent market.

“The Pirates have reached out to us on a number of players,” Boras said. “They’ve made us very aware that they’re going to be active in the free-agent market, and they intend to add free-agent talent to their roster.”

The caliber of talent Pittsburgh is in on and whether or not they finish these deals remains to be seen, but Boras said it’s a good change to see teams like the Pirates active in the free agent market.

The State of the Cody Bellinger Market

In his third winter as a free agent, Cody Bellinger is seeking a multi-year deal. In 2025, Bellinger posted a strong debut season with the Yankees, finishing with 4.9 fWAR, his highest since his MVP winning season in 2019.

Bellinger’s 125 wRC+ was boosted by a remarkable season when facing left-handed pitchers. In 176 plate appearances against lefties, the 29-year-old outfielder slashed .353/.415/.601 for a 1.016 OPS. His 180 wRC+ vs southpaws trailed only Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh among qualified hitters.

Defensively, Bellinger shined at all outfield positions. His +7 outs above average were his most since 2020. His +12 defensive runs saved in the outfield were a six-year high for him.

Boras hinted at a vibrant market for Bellinger.

“It’s not for me to Judge, but you know, great players see Red if they have a big bat Yanked out of their lineup. I haven’t Met a team that Dodges a five-tool player. To Phil the center field need is a Giant step towards the playoffs,” Boras said.

“North and south outfielders that fly with power, they’re rare Birds. In the offseason, there’s a lot of startup to organizations, and for that reason, there’s a lot of Angel investors that are looking for very versatile outfielder.”

Boras’ quote indicates interest from the Yankees, Mets, Reds, Dodgers, Giants and Angels among others in the Bellinger sweepstakes.