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Pete Alonso reportedly signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, according to ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan. Nicknamed the "Polar Bear," the 32-year-old infielder played for the New York Mets from 2019 to 2025.
Alonso first entered free agency after the 2024 season and signed a two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets. He opted out after making $30 million in the 2025 season. The current deal doesn't have opt-outs or deferrals, but will have a limited no-trade clause.
The power slugger's current deal with the Orioles gives him the highest AAV (Average Annual Value) for a first baseman.
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How will Pete Alonso's absence affect the Mets?
In his debut season for the Mets, Pete Alonso sent shockwaves by hitting 53 homers. Alonso won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and also earned a seventh-place finish in the MVP voting.
The first baseman's 53 homers broke Aaron Judge's record (52HR in 2017) of the most home runs by a rookie in the MLB. Since then, Alonso has hit at least 34 home runs per year, except in 2020 when Covid-19 shortened the season.
Last season, the Mets boasted an enviable lineup featuring Alonso, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. Although the trio accounted for 112 homers in the regular season, the Mets failed to reach the postseason.
The Mets already traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers last month. Nimmo hit 25 homers last season. While Nimmo's absence can be negated by the arrival of Marcus Semien from the Rangers, finding a replacement for the power-hitting Alonso is a tough task.
Pete Alonso's 264 regular-season home runs for the Mets are a franchise record. With his departure, the Mets will surely have a tough time with offense. Soto and Lindor will have to shoulder more burden.
Another positive of Alonso is his durability. "Polar Bear" rarely misses games. He played the full 162 games the last two seasons. The most he missed were 10 games in the 2021 season. With Alonso in the roster, the Mets rarely had to think about substitutes at first base. That will surely change in the upcoming season.
The Mets will also have a tough time dealing with the fans, who adored Pete Alonso. As a homegrown talent, Alonso held a special place in the hearts of fans. The departures of Alonso and Nimmo mean fans won't get to cheer for the franchise's longest-tenured players.
How can Pete Alonso help the Orioles?
The Baltimore Orioles suffered a setback last season, finishing in last place in the AL East standings. Their young core, featuring Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, advanced to the ALDS in 2023 and the ALWC in 2024.
One major reason for their decline was a regression of their offense. Orioles are intent on changing that. Before Alonso, they acquired Taylor Ward from the Angels, giving away Grayson Rodriguez.
Alonso's power ensures 35-40 homers per season for the Orioles. Moreover, he is a reliable run producer. Last season, only Kyle Schwarber with 132 RBIs had more than Alonso's 126. Gunnar Henderson and Cedric Mullins get on base frequently and will be big beneficiaries of Alonso's run-driving ability.
Backstop Adley Rutschman, too, will benefit from the first baseman's presence. Fearing Alonso's power, opposing pitchers won't be able to pitch around an exceptional contact hitter like Rutschman.
While the power Alonso will provide is a foregone conclusion, his steady defense at first base will ease pressure on pitchers. Though he is not flashy, Alonso provides stability at the position.
Beyond offense and defense, Pete Alonso will certainly provide veteran leadership for the Orioles' young core. Their star players like Hunderson (age 24), Rutschman (age 27), Jackson Holliday (age 22) and others are relatively young.
Alonso is a proven leader who has performed in high-pressure situations. A perfect example is his go-ahead three-homer hit against the Milwaukee Brewers in NLWC Game 3.
