Part 6/8:

Should Alonzo sign elsewhere, which seems increasingly possible, the burden of expectations will shift dramatically. The Mets would need to pivot quickly and find alternative solutions that may not be as reliable or productive as having Alonzo as the primary first baseman. The internal calculations that lead to reluctance in signing Alonzo may also prevent them from effectively bolstering their roster.

The Pressure on Pete Alonzo

For Alonzo, the stakes are high. While he may feel resentful about the current state of negotiations, he also understands that playing on a one-year deal or taking a lesser offer might not serve his best interests. The looming specter of free agency presents its own risks; he could find the market even less favorable next year, particularly as he ages.