Part 3/6:
Sterns shared his views on how the market ultimately valued Alonzo during negotiations, noting that free agency often presents unpredictable evaluations of players. While the reporting leading up to Alonzo's contract suggested the Mets were bracing for a possible departure, Sterns counters that this was a real possibility due to various offers Alonzo could have considered.
He elaborated on the team's philosophy around contract negotiations, insisting that while they felt good about Alonzo’s return, they had to approach signing players with a high AAV carefully. The emphasis was on creating a deal that satisfied both sides, leading to a compromise that ultimately worked.