Sportscaster warns Pete Alonso's career might falter without Mets deal; draws parallels to Red Sox legend Nomar Garciaparra

Former Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso is still to find a team this offseason despite his strong MLB resume. Alonso opted for free agency following the 2024 season with the New York Mets.

While the All-Star has been linked with a reunion with his former employers all offseason, Alonso has yet to decide on his future. With Spring Training looming, Alonso needs to sign with a team and the Mets seems like the most likely destination.

However, if Pete Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, want a reunion with the Mets, it'd be likely on Mets owner Steve Cohen's terms. Mets sportscaster Evan Roberts sent a potential warning on what would happen if the four-time All-Star didn't return to Citi Field.

On WFAN'S "Rico Brogna" podcast, Roberts said (32:00 onwards):

"The key is what happens next. If Pete Alonso left as a free agent it doesn't matter where he signs and let's say the Mets signed Anthony Santander to a nice short two-year deal to replace his bat and the Mets win the World Series this year. Then I think Pete Alonso gets what I like to give you another example, not a Mets example, but a Red Sox example. He becomes Nomar Garciaparra.

"Garciaparra was the face of the Red Sox. They traded him in 04 and got Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera was a big part of the Red Sox winning the World Series and honestly, I think Nomar Garciaparra totally forgot in history, it's like he's just a note. So I think a lot of this is what happens next."

Nomar Garciaparra, a six-time All-Star shortstop emerged as a fan favorite after making his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 1996. However, a trade to the Chicago Cubs in 2004 after nine seasons in Boston marked a pivotal point in his career.

While the Red Sox won the World Series that year and in 2007, Garciaparra failed to live up to his name. Although he was added to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014, the six-time All-Star never got his hands on the elusive World Series ring.

Mets most likely option for Pete Alonso in free agency

Pete Alonso's search for a new team has been prolonged because of the slugger's demand of a long-term deal with a relatively high AAV. However, teams are reluctant to offer a long-term deal to Alonso, who turned 30 in December.

Steve Cohen's Mets can go to any lengths to sign a player, and it was evident with their record-breaking signing of Juan Soto for a $765 million deal this offseason. If the Mets are not willing to spend big on Alonso, it's probably because they don't see their former star as a priority in the offseason.

According to the latest reports, Scott Boras put forward a three-year deal to the Mets for his client with outs. A return to the Mets seems the most probable option for Pete Alonso, although a new team could make a surprise offer with Spring Training on the horizon.