Part 2/9:
The discussion begins with an emphasis on Alonso’s standing in the market for first basemen. The consensus suggests that a five-year deal is both realistic and strategically advantageous. One speaker proposes a total value of $185 million over five years, breaking down to an average annual value (AAV) of $37 million, which would set a new record surpassing Vlad Guerrero Jr., who previously held the mark.
This figure is seen as a "trophy contract," not only because of the money involved but due to its symbolic importance, signaling Alonso’s star power and market value. The commitment would start when Alonso is 31, allowing room for a natural progression into a designated hitter role later in his career, given the evolving standards for aging sluggers.