Part 2/6:
Pressure and Performance: A Delicate Balance
While Alonso has certainly faced the pressure of performing—especially as he entered free agency after the previous season—Hernandez believes that Alonso is well-equipped to handle it. Despite not reaching his full potential last year with over 30 home runs but a dip in batting average, Hernandez suggested that Alonso is now in a much more stable and supportive environment.
The concept of pressure is a double-edged sword; Alonso's past season may have been stressful due to the uncertainty surrounding his contract, but now his $30 million deal alleviates some of that burden. Hernandez is confident that Alonso will be motivated to live up to his contract, a testament to his competitive nature and pride in his performance.