The Baltimore Orioles are determined to return to the MLB playoffs in 2026, and their boldest move of the offseason was signing five‑time All‑Star Pete Alonso to a five‑year, $155 million contract. The 31‑year‑old slugger arrives in Baltimore after seven standout seasons with the New York Mets, where he became the franchise’s all‑time home run leader and one of the most durable players in baseball MLB.
For Alonso, the move represents more than a change of scenery. It’s a clean break from a Mets front office that, according to multiple reports, never made him a formal contract offer before he departed Queens. The Polar Bear made it clear he’s ready to move forward, telling Orioles fans he’s “so excited to be here” and energized by the warm welcome in BaltimoreYahoo Sports.
The Polar Bear Doesn’t Miss the Mets Front Office
Alonso’s exit from New York was abrupt, but not surprising. MLB.com reported that the Mets “didn’t even make a formal offer” as the bidding escalated, a decision that left Alonso open to a franchise ready to invest in him long‑term.
Baltimore wasted no time positioning him as a cornerstone. The Orioles introduced him with fanfare, and Alonso even changed his jersey number to 25 to honor the birth year of his son. His enthusiasm for the new chapter stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty that surrounded his final months in New York.
Next season will mark Alonso’s eighth year in MLB, a milestone underscoring his reliability and experience. He has played 416 consecutive games since 2023, the second‑longest active streak in baseball. For a young Orioles roster still learning how to sustain success, his presence in the middle of the lineup provides stability, leadership, and instant credibility.
What Alonso Could Mean for Baltimore in 2026
The Orioles missed the postseason in 2025 after back‑to‑back playoff appearances, finishing 75‑87 in a disappointing step backward. Yet the roster remains loaded with young talent — Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, and others — and Alonso’s arrival gives Baltimore the elite power bat it lacked in key moments.
If Alonso replicates his 2025 production — 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a .524 slugging percentage — he could be the difference between another frustrating finish and a return to October baseball. His power, durability, and veteran presence make him the ideal anchor for a team poised to take the next step.
Baltimore believes Alonso is the missing piece. And Alonso, eager to leave Queens behind, seems ready to prove them right.
