Part 8/11:
This scenario underscores a broader trend: teams are weighing whether to invest heavily in aging stars or shift focus to younger, more durable players. The Phillies’ internal debate about Harper’s future impacts Alonso’s negotiations, making long-term commitments more scrutinized and potentially less favorable.
Defensive Metrics and Offensive Output: Signs of Decline?
Recent defensive metrics for Alonso have shown some regression, with errors and other numbers raising concerns about his durability and defensive value. Although offensively productive—he posted a stellar 272 batting average, 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs in the recent season—the aging curve for first basemen suggests that offensive power and defensive excellence diminish with time.