DALLAS, TX — Super agent Scott Boras was on his game during the final day of the Winter Meetings this past Wednesday in Dallas, Texas. He got his big fish signed with Juan Soto, agreeing to a $765 million with the Mets, but couldn’t talk about him because the move technically wasn’t official at that point.
Speaking of the Mets’ potential power bats, incumbent first baseman Pete Alonso was a heavy topic of discussion with the media.
“The Polar Express is fully rolling,” Boras said during his 30-45 minute scrum with the press.
Pete Alonso could be the next domino to fall in MLB’s free agency this offseason – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
The Mets are working to re-sign the 30-year old, but nothing is imminent at this point. If Alonso were to re–sign in Queens, he and Soto would form a dynamic power punch, but it still won’t be as good as what we saw last year in the Bronx with Aaron Judge. Alonso hit 34 home runs last year and Soto had 41 home runs.
Update on free agent third baseman Alex Bregman
Third baseman Alex Bregman is another marquee free agent that Boras represents. While the scrum was in motion, I asked Boras if he saw the New York Yankees as a potential landing spot for Bregman.
“That would be up to the organization, but I think anybody that wants a gold glove third baseman that can hit in the middle of your lineup, I don’t know many teams that doesn’t fit,” said Boras.
Alex Bregman, the top third baseman available on the market, is reported to be receiving offers of $130-$150 million+ – Image Credit: MLB
Bregman, 30, is a two time World Series champion with the Houston Astros (2017/2022) and also has two All-Star appearances on his resume. He has been a thorn in the Yankees side for years, but he does help them defensively and could help push them over top in the postseason. His OPS has dropped for three straight years and last season, it was .768 in 581 at-bats. With that said, he still hit 26 home runs and posted a bWAR of 4.1 in 2024.
“We all know what comes after AB. That is the “C” in Champions. In Bregman’s case, that ‘C is squared,” Boras said, creating yet another fascinating metaphor.
Trade market for Cody Bellinger
The Chicago Cubs have put Cody Bellinger on the trade market and the left-handed hitting outfielder and first baseman screams Yankees. The Bronx have been linked to him for three years and the time to strike could be now because they have an opening at first base and center field.
Will the Cubs trade Cody Bellinger this offseason? – Image Credit: Emma Sharon/Latino Sports
The 29-year old is making $27 million next year and has a player option for 2026. The Cubs are looking for salary relief because the left-handed hitter slightly underperformed last season with 18 home runs, .751 OPS, and a bWAR of 2.2 in 516 at-bats. I asked Boras about the timetable for a potential trade.
“He has so much interest but there isn’t any timeline on a trade,” he replied.
The Corbin Burnes Sweepstakes
Boras’ biggest fish that remains is the best starting pitcher on the market in Corbin Burnes. The right-hander is also 30 years old and is hitting his free agency at the right time. The San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are viewed as the current favorites for Burnes, who posted a 2.92 ERA in 194 innings with 181 strikeouts last season for the Baltimore Orioles.
Corbin Burnes, the top pitcher available in this year’s round of free agency, projected to get over $230 million on his next deal – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Both New York teams are out on Burnes even with a connection to his former general manager, & current Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who drafted him to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016.
The Yankees signed Max Fried to the largest deal for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history (eight years/$218M) on Tuesday, which may make Burnes’ total contract number higher than what many in the industry expected.
“For Corbin Burnes, it’s kind of like Elvis,” said Boras. “He’s got that ‘Burning Love’ for a number one starter. You are really feeling it today, and very early this morning for me I might add.”
As Boras always controls the narrative and MLB’s offseason, per usual, he didn’t disappoint in Dallas…
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