First Baseman Pete Alonso Signs 5-Year Contract With Baltimore Orioles
There is a specific kind of heartbreak reserved for baseball fans when a homegrown hero finally packs his bags. For the faithful in Queens, that nightmare is now a reality. Pete Alonso, the man who has defined power hitting for the New York Mets for seven seasons, is officially heading down I-95.
In a move that shakes up the power dynamics of the American League East, Alonso has agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. It’s a massive payday, a massive change of scenery, and frankly, a massive statement from a player who refused to let the league write him off.
Alonso Wins Big After Betting On Himself
Let’s be honest: last winter, things looked a little shaky for the “Polar Bear.” After a 2024 season that saw his numbers dip and the market go cold, Alonso had to settle. He took a two-year deal with the Mets that included an opt-out, essentially betting his entire financial future on his ability to bounce back at age 30.
That is a terrifying wager for a right-handed first baseman on the wrong side of 30. But Alonso didn’t just bounce back; he reinvented himself.
In 2025, he wasn’t just swinging for the fences blindly. He cut down his strikeout rate, improved his approach, and still managed to launch 38 homers. His exit velocity jumped to the 97th percentile, proving that the raw power hasn’t gone anywhere. He posted a 144 OPS+, proving he is still an elite run-producer. He looked at the market, opted out, and forced the league to pay attention. The gamble paid off to the tune of $155 million.
The End Of An Era In Queens
For Mets fans, this is a double whammy. Not only did they lose Closer Edwin DÃaz to the Dodgers earlier this week, but they also lost the heart of their lineup. Manager Carlos Mendoza made it clear he wanted Alonso back, citing his durability and presence, but the checkbook didn’t match the sentiment.
Alonso leaves New York as a franchise icon—a Rookie of the Year, a multi-time All-Star, and a Home Run Derby legend. Seeing him in Orioles orange is going to take some serious getting used to.
Baltimore Adds Serious Firepower
On the flip side, you have to love this for Baltimore. The Orioles have been building something special, and adding a veteran slugger like Alonso is the kind of “win-now” move that separates contenders from champions.
He brings legitimate, game-changing power to a lineup that is already dangerous. While critics will point to the history of big contracts for aging first basemen (yes, we remember Ryan Howard), Alonso’s 2025 resurgence suggests he has plenty left in the tank. Baltimore is paying for the next five years, hoping the “Polar Bear” has enough hibernation fuel to carry them deep into October.
