Pete Alonso and Orioles: $155M deal shakes up the MLB market

Baltimore, Maryland.

The renowned batter Pete Alonso, nicknamed “The Polar Bear”, is reportedly close to joining the Baltimore Orioles, according to sources close to the negotiation. The agreement, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the club, would be for five years and an amount of 155 million dollars. This move represents one of the most outstanding agreements of the winter market, marking Alonso’s definitive departure from the Mets. Alonso, who decided to exercise his option to leave his contract with the Mets at the end of the 2025 season, becomes a free agent. The starter, after a productive season in 2025, again sought free agency after increasing his value. The player couldn’t receive a qualifying offer for the second consecutive time, which facilitated his signing by not implying Draft pick compensation or penalty for the Orioles. Alonso comes from an outstanding season, being called up for the fifth time to the All-Star Game. He finished with 38 home runs, 41 doubles, 126 RBIs and an OPS of .871. His advanced statistics place him among the best in MLB. He excelled in exit velocity, hard-hit rate, barrels, expected slugging, and expected wOBA. Since his debut in 2019, Alonso has established himself as one of the most consistent hitters. He has accumulated 264 home runs, the third-highest amount in that period, and has 712 RBIs, leading all players since 2019. He has maintained a remarkable streak of durability, without missing a game since 2023, and participating in 1,008 of the last 1,032 possible games. In August 2024, he became the all-time home run leader in Mets history, surpassing Darryl Strawberry. In addition, he has won the Home Run Derby twice (2019 and 2021). Alonso has also shown his power in the postseason, with an OPS of 1.003 and five home runs in 16 games. In 2024, he hit a memorable three-run home run against Devin Williams in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, saving New York’s season. The arrival of this agreement with the Orioles confirms the end of the “Polar Bear” era in Queens. With this signing, the Orioles incorporate one of the most feared hitters in MLB into a young, rising lineup. Alonso will bring leadership, presence in the middle of the batting order, and stability at first base.