Pete Alonso Finalizing 5-Year, $155M Deal with Baltimore Orioles

In a high-profile move that could reshape the Baltimore Orioles’ offense for years to come, first baseman Pete Alonso is reportedly finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract with the team, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Wednesday. The deal represents a significant investment by the Orioles in bolstering their power-hitting lineup.

Alonso’s Dominant 2025 Season and Mets Exit

After a standout 2025 season with the New York Mets, where he slashed .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, Alonso proved he was worth the investment. His offensive production was back to his usual standards, marking his best year since his rookie season. Despite this, the Mets, who were in the midst of a challenging season, did not make Alonso an offer to extend his stay, according to sources close to the situation.

Alonso’s strong performance this past season saw him eclipse Darryl Strawberry’s all-time home run record for the Mets, further solidifying his place in the franchise’s history. However, despite this milestone, Alonso opted out of the remaining $24 million on his contract after the Mets’ disappointing season, choosing to re-enter free agency in search of a long-term deal.

A Transformative Career Year for Alonso

While Alonso’s home runs were the headline statistic, his overall performance in 2025 was driven by significant improvements in key metrics. Notably, his strikeout rate decreased, and his power numbers—both in terms of home runs and slugging percentage—rose. Alonso’s shortened swing, which ranked in the 74th percentile in 2025 compared to the 51st percentile the previous year, was a key factor in his offensive resurgence.

Despite his offensive excellence, Alonso’s baserunning and defensive metrics continued to regress, with his range particularly a point of concern. Nonetheless, his bat has always been the centerpiece of his game, and it was that very bat that drew interest from a number of teams, including the Orioles.

The Orioles: A Power-Hitting Addition to a Young Core

For the Orioles, who finished with a 4.65 ERA in 2025 and struggled offensively despite a promising group of young talent, the addition of Alonso represents a significant upgrade. With players like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jordan Westburg in the lineup, the Orioles now have one of the most potent young cores in MLB. Alonso’s veteran power bat will be crucial as the Orioles aim to contend in the competitive AL East.

Alonso will add depth to an Orioles’ lineup that already features talented hitters, but he also creates a ripple effect in terms of positional flexibility. While Alonso is expected to play most of his games at first base, his arrival could alter the roles of other players such as Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo. Mountcastle, who has been a mainstay at first base for Baltimore, could now see less playing time, especially with Alonso’s commitment to the position. Additionally, Mayo, a promising prospect with power potential, might find it harder to secure consistent at-bats.

A Boost for the Orioles’ Pursuit of Top Talent

This move signals that the Orioles are ready to be more aggressive in free agency, an indication that they are serious about contending in the near future. In previous years, the Orioles have stuck mainly to short-term contracts, but the commitment to Alonso shows they are willing to invest in top-tier talent for the long haul.

While Baltimore still needs to improve its pitching staff to become a true contender, Alonso’s signing bolsters the offense and offers manager Craig Albernaz flexibility. The Orioles’ lineup now has a reliable power hitter in the middle, something they lacked in 2025 despite their youthful promise.

A Departure from New York: Mets’ Offseason Shakeup

Alonso’s departure is part of a larger offseason shakeup for the Mets, who saw a major turnover in their roster. Just a day after Alonso’s decision to leave, the Mets also lost closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a lucrative three-year, $69 million deal. Diaz’s move to the Dodgers is still pending finalization, but it marks another blow to the Mets’ plans for the 2026 season. Additionally, the Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien, a move that further alters the structure of the Mets’ roster.

Despite being one of the highest-spending teams in MLB in 2025, the Mets failed to make the postseason, and their offseason moves indicate a shift in strategy as they attempt to retool for future success. With Alonso’s departure, the Mets lose a beloved figure in the clubhouse and a player who was pivotal to their offense.

What’s Next for Pete Alonso?

As for Alonso, the 31-year-old will look to continue his career with the Orioles, where he hopes to bring his potent bat to a team on the rise. Having originally been drafted by the Mets in 2016, Alonso’s journey to the Orioles marks a significant shift in his career, but one that offers fresh opportunities. For the Orioles, the deal is a statement of intent, signaling their readiness to compete at a higher level in 2026.

The Orioles’ next steps will likely focus on further strengthening their pitching staff, but for now, they can celebrate adding one of the most prolific power hitters in the game to their roster.