Ex-Red Sox star makes high AAV case for Pete Alonso in Boston

Free agent first baseman Pete Alonso's free agency remains one of the intriguing stories of this offseason. While there's no doubt several teams would want him, the number of years he's after is something that has led clubs to sign other options. However, his former team, the New York Mets, remains in contention and has also reportedly given him a three-year deal.

Kevin Miller, an ex-Boston Red Sox star, pitched an intriguing idea: bringing Alonso to Boston with a high annual value contract. Miller believes that Alonso could thrive in Boston, both offensively and defensively.

"I think he'll be with the Mets, yeah, but looking at his numbers, people don't give him enough credit," Miller said Tuesday on Sean Casey's podcast 'The Mayor’s Office' (37:31). "Defensively, he has played his way into becoming a great defensive first baseman. He works very hard at it.

"I would put him at first base for the Red Sox for a three-year high annual salary,and let him hit 45 to 50 home runs in that environment. Just a little bit of a change of scenery. I mean, Casas is an unbelievable young player and a great hitter who is going to have a great career, but there are these things—you need a star, star, star in that kind of a market."

Mets pitcher would like club to re-sign Pete Alonso

While there remains a significant gap between the Mets and Pete Alonso's camp, the "Polar Bear" is well cherished in the locker room. Sean Manaea, who was signed to a three-year, $75 million deal this offseason, worked with Alonso during the offseason.

He finds the first baseman friendly, and when asked about Alonso's negotiations standoff with the Mets, he said:

"I’m always going to support [Alonso]," Manaea said. "Hopefully, we can get that done, but whatever happens, I’ll be happy for him."

Even Mets fans would love to have their multi-time home run derby champion back, but David Stearns & Co. continue to make things happen with Alonso. The reason for the standoff is not about the salary but rather the number of years on the contract. Alonso, 30, would like to sign a deal for at least five years, while the Mets remain at three.