Part 2/7:
The atmosphere surrounding Alonso's impending return had been heavy with uncertainty as the off-season unfolded. Speculations about whether the Mets genuinely wanted Alonso back were rampant, leading to doubt creeping into the player's mind. However, the meeting between Alonso, his agent Scott Boras, Sterns, and Mets owner Steve Cohen proved to be a crucial turning point. According to Sterns, this meeting laid the groundwork for Alonso to understand that the Mets still valued him.