Since free agency began in November, one Pete Alonso has been allowed to control his destiny. Since November concluded, other free agents have signed, and yet the 30-year-old is still unsigned. Alonso’s biggest problem is he only does one thing well which is hit home runs. The rest of the time he’s a liability defensively and strikes out at a high rate. This essentially makes him a one-trick pony. Given his high strikeout rate, I’m surprised nobody calls him “Swing and a Miss Pete” more often. Adding to his problems, Alonso thought he was more valuable than he really was and hired Scott Boras in 2023. It should be no surprise that Pete Alonso is still a free agent.
Alonso’s Numbers Aren’t As Good As They Appear
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven what Pete Alonso has accomplished in his career, it’s easy to think teams would be clamoring to sign him. He’s been an all-star four times, blasted 226 homers in just 846 games, has a career OPS of .854, and more importantly is a clubhouse leader. However, there are plenty of things you can spot that are wrong with this $100 bill.
He Didn’t Deserve To Be An All-Star Last Season
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile he was an all-star last season, he didn’t deserve to be on that field. Then-Arizona Diamondback Christian Walker was much more deserving than Alonso last season. The only reason he got into the game was because the league wanted him to do the home run derby again. However, Alonso whined his way into the all-star game by refusing to do the derby unless he got the honor. While he ultimately was selected, last season wasn’t an all-star season for “Swing and a Miss Pete.”
Pete Alonso’s Stats Don’t Justify His High Strikeout Rate
Although Pete Alonso has proven to be a prolific home run hitter, he’s also prone to striking out very often. In his career, the 30-year-old has struck out 822 times in the 846 games he’s appeared in. “Swing and a Miss Pete” also owns a career strikeout rate of 22.8%. Last season, his 172 strikeouts were the highest of his career since his rookie year when he had 183.
While Alonso’s strikeout numbers have risen, he’s experienced statistical declines in many major offensive categories. His OPS has gone from .869 to .821 to a career-worst .788 last season. Despite being a power hitter, the 30-year-old has experienced an even sharper decline in slugging percentage. His slugging went from .518 to .504 to just .459 in 2024. The 30-year-old only hit 34 home runs and had a career-low 88 RBI. While 34 homers may seem good on paper, it isn’t for Alonso considering how often he strikes out. Heck, across town, Aaron Judge struck out one less time than Alonso and smacked 58 homers. The numbers that Alonso put up last season do not justify his high strikeout rate.
Pete Alonso Is A Defensive Liability
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 30-year-old first baseman is a defensive liability. One could argue his inconsistency on defense is why he doesn’t merit more MVP consideration. He owns a career outs above average mark of -24. Last season, he registered a career-worst -9 outs above average. In just six seasons, Alonso has 46 career errors at the position, which ties him for the seventh most among active first basemen. Pete Alonso is just a designated hitter masquerading as a first baseman.
Alonso Got Greedy
Embed from Getty ImagesPete Alonso started overvaluing himself in 2023 when he declined a seven-year, $158 million extension from the Mets. He later hired the notorious Scott Boras as his agent. The 30-year-old is reportedly seeking a $200 million contract. However, “Swing and a Miss Pete” seems to have no concept of market value. No free agent who plays his position has signed for nearly that amount of money this offseason. Christian Walker who is three years older, signed with the Houston Astros for $60 million. Unlike Alonso, Walker is great defensively and has won three gold gloves in a row at the position.
The only current full-time first-basemen making nearly $200 million are Matt Olson and Freddie Freeman. The only player who exceeds that number is Phillies superstar Bryce Harper. It should be noted that Harper wasn’t originally signed as a first baseman. Olson and Freeman have all won gold gloves in their career at the position. Last season, Haper was named a finalist for a gold glove at first base as well. Given that Alonso only does one thing well, he has no business to be commanding a $200 million contract. Heck, the Mets reportedly have offered Alonso a three-year, $90 million deal. However, Alonso is still hell-bent on trying to get money that no team will be willing to give him.
Pete Alonso And Scott Boras Need To Accept Reality
Embed from Getty ImagesIt wouldn’t be a surprise if Alonso and Boras continue to stubbornly hold out for more money when Spring Training begins. The 30-year-old just isn’t accepting that he isn’t the kind of player he thinks he is. Eventually, Pete Alonso will have to swallow his pride and settle for a short-term contract with opt-outs. Given Alonso only excels at hitting homers, teams aren’t interested in committing large amounts of money to one-trick ponies. Only two first basemen are making nearly $200 million. Only one of them is making way over that number. The recent free agent signed at the position only signed for $60 million. Unlike Alonso, all four of them aren’t defensive liabilities. The longer “Swing and a Miss Pete” is still a free agent, the more his potential earnings will continue to evaporate.
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