Insider addresses wild Pete Alonso contract request report amid Mets rumors

New York Mets fans and others within the MLB community were downright shocked when Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported earlier this week that agent Scott Boras had been using the nine-year, $214M deal that former slugger Prince Fielder received from the Detroit Tigers in 2012 as a comparison for what free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso should get this offseason. 

During Wednesday's edition of his weekly Bleacher Report livestream, MLB insider Jon Heyman directly said that Alonso is "not gonna get a nine-year deal" from the Mets or any other club. 

"The issue with the Mets is the length of the deal," Heyman said about why Alonso hasn't yet re-signed with what's been his only MLB home since he made his big league debut in 2019, as shared by the SNY website. "Right now we’re looking at Alonso wanting at least a six-year deal."

It's now clear no club that began free agency in need of a first baseman was ever willing to give such a deal to Alonso. A handful of teams have already addressed the position via other transactions, and most industry insiders believe the 30-year-old's camp will eventually have to accept a three- or four-year contract that will include multiple opt-outs. 

"I think the Mets are the most likely team, and I've thought so for a while," Heyman said early into the Bleacher Report clip about Alonso's short-term future. "They have a gaping hole at first base right now...Alonso's out there. They need a first baseman. Ultimately, I think that is the most likely scenario."

The Mets need lineup protection for Juan Soto following their historic signing of the All-Star outfielder. Additionally, the fact that Alonso is a beloved fan favorite who is on pace to become the franchise's all-time leader in career home runs cannot be ignored. As recently as Wednesday, former Mets captain and team legend David Wright actively campaigned for Alonso to remain a one-club man for as long as possible. 

"It’s a different feeling when you’re drafted, developed and playing for the team that gave you your first opportunity," Wright said. 

Boras and Co. may say it only takes one club to match Alonso's contract requests, but Heyman indicated on Wednesday no such team exists this winter. That reality means that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen should have leverage in negotiations with Boras.