Reds HOFer boldly claims Pete Alonso can't secure Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado-type deals; suggests Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery path

With Pete Alonso still a free agent midway into January, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Sean Casey has predicted that he will sign a contrcat of no longer than three years.

Rumors suggest that the sugger's agent Scott Boras is looking for a deal similar to Prince Fielder's nine-year, $214 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. However, Casey rubbished those rumors on The Mayor's Office podcast:

"Ain't happening! Those deals aren't happening. They're happening for guys that are 26, that are free agents like Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado. They're not happening for Pete Alonso who's 30 years old, and he's a different player than those guys.

"I think the question with Pete Alonso is, it's more like Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell, even Jordan Montgomery... It's a win-win for everybody. You don't do well, you keep the money. You do well; you opt out, and you get a bigger deal.

"If I'm Boras, I'm saying get the three-year deal for $80-90 million, have an opt-out after year one and if you dominate, bet on yourself and get the five-year deal. But if you don't, you take the $80-90 million and you go thank you very much."

Casey added that while he doesn't expect Alonso to sign a long-term deal this year, he could get a bigger deal if he returns to his best this season:

"I love Pete Alonso and I would love to have him in my lineup, but not for nine year, $214 million... He's gonna get more years, but teams are willing to risk $30+ million. He could be getting more years at $15 million. ... If Pete Alonso goes out in year one, gets back to .250+, 40 homers and 120 RBIs, he's getting a five-year deal."

Pete Alonso remains one of the biggest free agents in the market but is yet to reach an agreement for a new contract with any team. Fans and analysts have likened his situation with that of Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger and Jordan Montgomery last year, who didn't get the deals they were looking for.

Many believe that asking for a long-term contract while pushing 31 is too much to ask for, especially after coming off a down season. It remains to be seen where Alonso lands ahead of the next season.

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MLB insider claims that the Mets need another bat to protect Juan Soto, be it Pete Alonso or not

Pete Alonso annd the New York Mets are locked in a standoff, so it remains to be seen who fold first.

The Mets have a policy of not handing out big deals to players over 30, while Alonso is looking for a deal at least six years long. According to SNY's Danny Abriano:

"The Mets need another legitimate bat to help protect Juan Soto, but there isn't a better fit via free agency and trade other than Alonso."

As we get closer to Spring Training, it's looking more like Alonso has overplayed his hand. But with not many younger options available in the MLB market, will the Mets fold and give in to his demands?