BALTIMORE (AP) — Big news for baseball! The Baltimore Orioles have signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a $155 million deal for five years. This move is a big step for the team after they finished last in the AL East last season.
Alonso, who recently turned 31, had an impressive year with the New York Mets. He hit .272, smashed 38 home runs, and drove in 126 runs. Fans loved him for his power, and he holds the Mets’ record with 264 home runs over seven seasons. He’s been an All-Star five times and was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2019, hitting a record 53 home runs that season.
Despite a challenging 2023 where he batted just .217, Alonso’s big-hit potential remains. He opted out of a $54 million, two-year contract he had with the Mets, forgoing $24 million to seek new opportunities. Interestingly, he rejected a $158 million, seven-year offer from the Mets, leaving him with a total earning of $205.5 million over seven years—significant for a player of his caliber.
This year, the Orioles want to get back on track. They won the AL East in 2023 and even made it to the playoffs, but had a rough 2025. Their pitching staff struggled, and while they have great young talent, like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, they needed a strong, experienced player. That’s where Alonso fits in.
Alonso gives Baltimore a solid veteran presence in their lineup. This means new manager Craig Albernaz can mix and match players at catcher, designated hitter, and even first base. However, this complicates things for other first basemen on the team, like Ryan Mountcastle, who may find less playing time.
Besides Alonso, the Orioles have made some moves this offseason, adding reliever Ryan Helsley and trading for outfielder Taylor Ward. It seems they’re ready to be aggressive in the off-season, signaling they are serious about competing.
On the other side, the Mets are adjusting too. Just after Alonso’s departure, they lost All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers and traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Despite being major spenders in the previous season, they failed to make the playoffs.
In the ever-changing landscape of baseball, this deal marks a significant shift. The Orioles are showing their commitment to building a powerful team, while the Mets are regrouping after a disappointing year.
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