Having been drafted by the New York Mets in 2016, Pete Alonso made his big league debut three years later. Ever since, the first baseman has gone on to establish himself as a fan favorite at Citi Field and one of the best players in his position.Alonso enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, earning his fifth All-Star selection and finishing wiht a .272 batting average, 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. With his importance for the team clear for all to see, most fans expected the Mets to retain the infielder once he entered free agency at the end of the season.However, in a surprising turn of events, it is the Baltimore Orioles that swooped in and signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal, insider Jeff Passan reported on Wednesday.Making an appearance on "MLB Tonight" shortly after, legendary Mets pitcher Ron Darling delivered his verdict on the big move and the Orioles' work this offseason."I'm flabbergasted," Darling said (Timestamp: 0:26). "The (Edwin) Diaz news was kinda shocking but you know the Dodgers get whatever they want. We reported yesterday, that Pete (Alonso), who lives in Tampa, was going to drive over here and meet with the Red Sox, meet with the Orioles."The Orioles were all in on (Kyle) Schwarber, that's how Schwarber got the money from the Phillies. They aren't messing around. The Orioles have said they want to land a big whale, and they did in Alonso."Ron Darling explains how Pete Alonso's acquisition improves the OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles endured a disappointing season in 2025, finishing in last place in the AL East with a 75-87 record. The organization knew major changes were in order to get back on track in 2026, and they have made quite a splash with Pete Alonso's acquisition.In the same conversation, Ron Darling explained how bringing in someone like Alonso improves the Orioles as a team."They (Orioles) have always had a legit lineup, they've always had a core of young players," Darling added (Timestamp: 1:49). "Now they have someone that goes in the post every single day. Played 162 (games) last year, something that all of those young, aspiring players of the Orioles will be able to look up to. I don't know, he might make them the favorite, all of a sudden. It makes them at least a beast in the (AL) East."2025 MLB All-Star Game - Source: GettyOrioles fans will be hoping the newly acquired Pete Alonso can help the team return to the postseason in 2026.