PHOENIX — Renowned MLB agent Scott Boras, representing two of the offseason’s biggest free-agent stars, took the opportunity on Wednesday to highlight his stance on team spending. Standing just a few feet away from Boras was Corbin Burnes, the ace pitcher freshly introduced by the Arizona Diamondbacks after inking a six-year, $210 million deal—the largest in franchise history.
Spring training is fast approaching, yet All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso remain unsigned. Both players, represented by Boras, face an uncertain future as they await lucrative deals that align with their market value.
Boras has been vocal throughout the offseason, asserting that many teams have the financial capacity to sign top-tier players. Using Burnes’ recent signing as a prime example, Boras argued that if the Diamondbacks—a mid-market team without massive TV rights revenues—can afford to sign a premier talent like Burnes, other organizations have no excuse to sit on the sidelines when it comes to Bregman and Alonso.
Teams Reluctant to Meet Demands
Despite significant interest in both Bregman and Alonso, neither has received an offer that matches Boras’ perception of their true value. If such offers existed, Boras argues, the deals would have been finalized well before the holiday season.
Alonso, who has spent his entire career with the New York Mets, rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension in 2023. The slugger is reportedly seeking a contract surpassing Freddie Freeman’s six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers or Matt Olson’s eight-year, $168 million deal with the Braves. However, Alonso is now open to a short-term, three-year deal with opt-outs to remain with the Mets, though negotiations remain at a standstill.
The drawn-out discussions between Alonso and the Mets raise questions about potential damage to their relationship. Boras declined to speculate on Alonso’s mindset but acknowledged that the impasse has introduced uncertainty.
“You’ll have to ask Pete how he feels,” Boras said. “He’s in the marketplace listening right now. Teams are getting more clarity about their rosters, so I believe things will move.”
Unlike Alonso, Bregman is unwilling to entertain short-term contracts. The championship-winning third baseman is seeking a long-term deal and has drawn interest from teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox.
“Bregman is a proven winner,” Boras said. “Teams recognize his value. It’s now about bridging the gap between offers and his expectations.”
The Financial Landscape of MLB
Boras has been critical of the broader trend of reduced team spending this offseason. He attributes this to some teams’ reluctance to invest in player contracts despite increasing franchise valuations and revenues.
“Many teams are making more money but spending far less,” Boras noted. “You’ve got 10 to 12 teams that are spending significantly less than they did two or three years ago. Ownership in MLB has evolved, with franchise appreciation taking precedence over on-field investments.”
Indeed, data from FanGraphs shows that only seven teams have increased their payrolls by more than $10 million compared to the previous year. Among these is the Arizona Diamondbacks, who raised their payroll by $22.5 million to an estimated $193 million for the upcoming season.
The Diamondbacks’ Commitment
Diamondbacks managing partner Ken Kendrick expressed the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team, even at the cost of stretching their budget.
“We believe in investing when there’s an opportunity for a strong return,” Kendrick said. “This is a significant investment in a young star like Burnes. Our fans deserve success, and I personally want to witness it before I step away from the game.”
The decision to sign Burnes did not come easily for Arizona. Initially, the team assumed Burnes would be out of their price range, with several franchises reportedly prepared to offer upwards of $245 million. However, Burnes’ personal circumstances shifted the narrative.
Burnes’ Personal Connection to Arizona
Burnes, who has lived in Phoenix since 2018, prioritized family over maximizing his earnings. The pitcher encouraged Boras to reopen discussions with the Diamondbacks in late December, emphasizing his desire to stay in Arizona to be close to his wife, 3-year-old son, and infant twins.
Last season, Burnes endured a grueling travel schedule to balance his career with family commitments. He recounted a particularly harrowing experience when mechanical issues delayed his private flight home from Baltimore, leaving him stranded in Colorado Springs. Burnes eventually managed to make it to Phoenix just 45 minutes before his wife gave birth to their twins.
“The travel was taking a toll on him,” Boras said. “Corbin’s decision wasn’t just about baseball; it was about being present for his family. He’s making a substantial financial sacrifice to achieve that.”
For Burnes, the decision to join the Diamondbacks was a dream come true.
“The family aspect was huge for us,” Burnes said. “When this opportunity arose, we had to seize it. This is where we want to be.”
Building Toward Championship Aspirations
The Diamondbacks’ acquisition of Burnes pairs him with ace Zac Gallen, creating a formidable one-two punch reminiscent of the Randy Johnson-Curt Schilling duo that led the team to the 2001 World Series title. The organization hopes this move will energize fans and position the team as a contender in the highly competitive National League.
“Our fans in Arizona respond to winners,” Kendrick said. “We’re focused on building a team that can compete at the highest level while continuing to reinvest in quality players.”
Broader Implications for MLB
Boras’ commentary highlights ongoing issues within MLB regarding spending disparities and team priorities. While some organizations, like the Diamondbacks, are willing to push their financial limits, others remain conservative despite record-breaking revenues and franchise valuations.
The signings of players like Burnes demonstrate that financial constraints are often a matter of choice rather than necessity. Boras argues that teams need to reassess their priorities if they aim to compete in a league where player talent and team success are intrinsically linked.
As for Bregman and Alonso, their futures remain uncertain. Boras remains optimistic that their talent and value will ultimately lead to lucrative contracts.
“Teams know the caliber of players we’re talking about,” Boras said. “It’s just a matter of aligning their ambitions with the reality of what it takes to win.”
For now, the Diamondbacks’ bold move serves as a reminder that winning requires not only vision but also the willingness to invest. As Burnes prepares to lead Arizona’s rotation, he does so with the full support of an organization willing to bet on his talent and character—and with a strong message to the rest of the league.
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