Part 4/8:
Joel discussed the complicated nature of Alonso’s negotiations, stating that even if David Stearns—Mets’ head of baseball operations—was disinclined to pursue Alonso, the larger league dynamics were at play. Teams follow similar formulas for evaluating player worth, which has drastically shifted from conventional wisdom that once celebrated home runs.
Joel pointed out that while Alonso remains a strong performer, the modern baseball hierarchy values versatility, age, and defensive capabilities. Consequently, Alonso finds himself in a challenging market where his traditional strengths aren't enough to secure a long-term deal.