As the Mets and Pete Alonso beat around the bush on a potential contract, the Reds are now trying to acquire his services.

The Cincinnati Reds "may consider" pursuing slugger Pete Alonso in free agency, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman noted that the Reds

It’s probably a long shot, but with Pete Alonso’s market not developing as expected, this small-market team may consider it.

More on Albert Pujols' upside as a future manager, the Brewers' curious offseason, and the Rays' potential next star as well.

The White Sox were working on a deal that would have sent All-Star center fielder to the Reds, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement, according to The Athletic. The holdup appeared to be how much of Robert's remaining salary the Reds would have taken on in a deal and Cincinnati ended up pivoting to signing Austin Hays in free agency.

The Reds and White Sox had serious trade discussions about a deal involving All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. according to Ken Rosenthal. Ultimately, the asking price was too high and the Reds pivoted.