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

The Baltimore Orioles just took a huge swing in free agency, landing slugging first baseman Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million deal. This move shakes up their lineup and, honestly, changes how everyone sees their organization.

After years of thrift and quick-fix contracts, Baltimore is betting big. They believe Alonso’s revived bat and proven power can finally turn this talented, underachieving roster into a real American League contender.

Pete Alonso to Orioles: A Franchise-Altering Power Play

Alonso, now 31, arrives in Baltimore at a pretty pivotal moment for both him and the club. For the Orioles, this is a clear signal: their rebuild is officially over.

For Alonso, it’s the payoff for a comeback 2025 campaign that put him back among baseball’s elite power threats. Few saw that coming after his rough patch.

A Rebound Season That Reset Alonso’s Market

After a tough 2024, Alonso bounced back in a way front offices crave during a contract year. In 2025, he slashed .272/.347/.524, smashed 38 home runs, and drove in 126 RBIs.

He reestablished himself as a true middle-of-the-order force. That power surge wasn’t just for show; it came from real changes at the plate.

Alonso shortened his swing—a mechanical tweak that paid off right away. The more compact approach cut down his strikeouts and even boosted his power.

Instead of swinging for the fences every time, he started controlling his at-bats, punishing mistakes, and making more contact. It’s the kind of adjustment that separates the good from the great.

From Mets Icon to Free-Agent Prize

His resurgence included a big milestone: Alonso became the Mets’ all-time home run leader, finishing his Queens run with 264 homers. For most teams, a player like that would get a long-term extension, right?

But the Mets went another way. Despite Alonso’s bounce-back and his iconic status, New York didn’t offer a new contract.

With $24 million left on his deal, Alonso made a gutsy call and opted out to test free agency. The Orioles, loaded with young talent and some financial muscle, jumped at the chance.

Why Alonso Fits Baltimore’s Win-Now Blueprint

Baltimore just finished a down year that didn’t make sense given their roster’s promise. They’ve got one of baseball’s most exciting young cores, but they’ve been missing a veteran anchor in the heart of the lineup.

They needed someone who could produce and set the tone. Alonso fits that bill.

A Proven Middle-of-the-Order Hammer

Alonso instantly becomes Baltimore’s most intimidating power bat. His presence stretches the lineup, forces pitchers to change their plans, and gives protection to the club’s rising stars.

In a division where every run counts, Alonso’s ability to flip a game with one swing is huge. He brings more than just numbers, though:

The Trade-Offs: Defense and Baserunning Concerns

Alonso’s bat is the main attraction, but the Orioles are getting the whole package. In 2025, his defensive metrics dropped, especially his range.

His baserunning value slipped too. At this point, Alonso is definitely a bat-first player.

Baltimore will need to get creative—maybe shifting infield alignments, using late-inning defensive subs, and making sure he gets the most plate appearances without exposing his lack of mobility.

The Ripple Effect on the Orioles’ Depth Chart

Adding Alonso shakes up the Orioles’ internal competition at first base and around the diamond. It means some tough, but necessary, decisions are coming.

Mountcastle, Mayo, and the Squeeze for At-Bats

With Alonso locked in at first, Ryan Mountcastle and top prospect Coby Mayo will have a harder time finding regular at-bats. Mountcastle, who’s spent plenty of time at first, might need to grab a DH spot or try a corner outfield role.

Mayo could get pushed toward a corner infield or DH gig, depending on how the club balances development and winning now. It’s clear Alonso’s arrival sets a new standard—if you want to be in this Orioles lineup, you’ll have to earn your chances around a star in the middle.

A New Era of Spending in Baltimore

This deal is about more than one slugger. It’s a franchise changing its approach in the marketplace.

For years, the Orioles stuck with short-term, low-risk contracts while waiting for their homegrown core to grow up. That waiting game is over now.

Alonso, Helsley, Ward: A Statement Offseason

Alonso’s contract headlines an offseason where Baltimore also brought in reliever Ryan Helsley and outfielder Taylor Ward. Each move fills a specific need.

Together, these signings hint at a new approach. The Orioles seem ready to spend to win.

By giving Pete Alonso five years and $155 million, Baltimore isn’t just buying home runs. They’re buying credibility and ambition.

Now, the team’s window of contention finally has a true anchor in the middle of the order. For a franchise that’s waited so long, this feels like the swing that says the patience has finally run out.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: O’s, Alonso finalizing 5-year, $155M deal