Taylor Ward gives verdict on Pete Alonso's Orioles fit after $155M move

Taylor Ward (L), Pete Alonso (R) (Images from - Getty)
Taylor Ward (L), Pete Alonso (R) (Images from - Getty)

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Baltimore Orioles have made major upgrades to their offense, acquiring Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward in the offseason.

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Alonso, a free agent, was signed to a five-year, $155 million contract, while Taylor Ward was brought in via a trade that saw starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez go the other way.

Speaking to MLB Network Radio on Thursday, Ward expressed his excitement to begin working with his new team, before offering his opinion on Pete Alonso's fit with the organization.

"It's incredible, just adding piece after piece," Ward said. "Hopefully we're not done, but as of right now, I'm really excited to get going, get down there, get into the season and start winning some ballgames.
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"(My immediate reaction to Pete Alonso's signing was) Excitement. Just a great hitter. One of the guys I came up with, we may have played in the fall league together, just right around that time. So I've known of him obviously. Just the power that he brings to the table, it's going to be great for this lineup. Veteran leadership as well. I just think that it's the perfect fit for us."
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"Everything just clicked" - Pete Alonso speaks about the factors that sealed his move to Baltimore

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Pete Alonso explained why he decided to sign for the Baltimore Orioles, despite strong interest from a number of franchises.

"I think, as the free-agent process starts, you really don’t know what’s going to happen," Alonso said. "It’s kind of like this weird baseball limbo. But as you start to sit down and really think about things, you get some time to reflect. Honestly, as the offseason progressed and we got further along, this partnership -- for me -- was just head and shoulders above everybody else. This park, this city, this team, this organization, everything combined, just clicked.
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"I think it was absolutely the perfect fit, not just as a player, but for family life too. I could go up and down a laundry list of things, there are just so many boxes. Every single box this place checks. For us, we’re just so pleased. And for this organization to see me not just in the now, but in the future, it’s such a blessing. I can’t wait to play, I can’t wait to perform, and I can’t wait to win games."
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Pete Alonso at the 2025 All-Star game - Source: Getty
Pete Alonso at the 2025 All-Star game - Source: Getty

Alonso will take the field in an Orioles uniform for the first time when Spring Training commences in February.

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Edited by Raghav Mehta
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