Part 3/8:
According to Passan, Alonso boasts impressive stats with an average of 42 home runs and 110 RBIs across his five full seasons. Yet, his age—turning 30—coupled with concerns about his defensive skills, puts him in a tricky position with potential suitors. The perception of Alonso as a "complicated player" is echoed by various industry executives who cited hesitance around his long-term value.
Notably, the first base position in baseball is becoming increasingly comparable to the running back position in the NFL—teams believe they can fulfill their needs without excessive spending. As the market has cooled down, many of the stronger first basemen, like Matt Chapman and Cody Bellinger, saw similarly stagnant seasons, casting doubt on Alonso's potential for a giant payday this offseason.