"Such a special year for me" - Pete Alonso reveals true reason behind choosing No. 25 with the Orioles

MLB: SEP 28 Mets at Marlins - Source: Getty
Pete Alonso reveals true reason behind choosing No. 25 with the Orioles - Source: Getty

All-Star first baseman will be suiting up for a different team for the first time in his career after the former New York Mets signed with the Baltimore Orioles in free agency.

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Alonso, who opted out of his Mets contract at the end of last season, signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles. Alonso, who wore No. 20 during his seven-year stint with the Mets, will wear No. 25 for the Orioles.

The Orioles have retired No. 20 in honor of Frank Robinson, leading to Alonso choosing a different number. The former Mets star revealed that he chose the number 25 because his wife Haeley gave first to their first child this year.

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Alonso, who became a free agent last season, returned to the Mets on a three-year deal. Alonso featured in every regular season game for the Mets for a second consecutive year, slashing 272/.347/.524 with 41 doubles and 38 home runs in 2025.

Pete Alonso shares reasons that influenced his move to Baltimore in free agency

Pete Alonso established himself as a fan-favorite in his seven seasons with the Mets. However, after opting out of his Mets contract this year, Alonso shared his fondness for the Orioles.

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The five-time All-Star shared the reasons that made him sign for the AL franchise.

"As the offseason progressed and we got further along, this partnership was head and shoulders above everybody else,” Alonso said. “This park, this city, this team, this organization, everything combined. Everything just clicked.
"For me, it was the perfect fit, not just as a player but for family life, too. I can go up and down the laundry list of every single box this place checks. For this organization to see me not just in the now, but in the future, it’s such a blessing and I can’t wait to play, perform and win games.”

Alonso leaves the Mets as the most prolific hitter in franchise history after smashing 264 home runs in his New York career.

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
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