Part 3/10:
At the heart of this offseason saga stands Scott Boras, undoubtedly one of the most influential agents in baseball. Boras's playbook involves setting high expectations for his clients—unrealistically high at times—to push teams to their limits. His clients, such as Pete Alonso, aim for lucrative multi-year deals.
Last year, Pete Alonso's market was limited; he ultimately re-signed with the Mets on a short-term deal with an opt-out clause. Boras then went on the offensive, reportedly emphasizing Alonso as a player who could hold his own at first base, even if he isn't a star defensively. Boras's strategy involves creating a narrative where Alonso is a valuable centerpiece, potentially driving up the perceived worth for the Orioles, Reds, and other suitors.