Part 4/10:
When Alonso's market didn't meet expectations—teams weren't willing to hand him a five-year deal—the Mets stood firm in offering a three-year contract. Boras’s maneuvering, however, aimed to keep Alonso in the headlines and in the conversation, hinting at larger threats to teams hesitant to meet his rising demands.
The Orioles and the "Showstopper" Strategy
The Baltimore Orioles emerged as a prominent player in this chess match. Once Alonso’s ideal contractual terms were not met, Boras and Alonso pivoted to the Orioles as a potential landing spot. The Orioles, with their limited spending, initially were contemplating a deal for Kyle Schwarber at five years and $150 million. However, once Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies, Boras turned the focus to Alonso.