First baseman Pete Alonso. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Orioles catch their big fish in Pete Alonso

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 2:32 PM ET

The Baltimore Orioles are coming off an incredibly disappointing season, finishing 75-87 after going 91-71 in 2024.

Needing a big bat in the middle of their order, the Orioles made a statement Wednesday by agreeing to a deal with first baseman Pete Alonso, a former New York Met, to be their big bopper. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is five years for $155M.

After essentially betting on himself by signing a two-year deal with an opt-out after year one with the Mets last offseason, Alonso hit .272 with an OPS of .871 and smashed 38 home runs. He led the National League in doubles with 41.

BREAKING: First baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Alonso leaves the Mets to make a loaded AL East even better.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2025

According to Passan, the deal with the Orioles gives Alonso the highest AAV for a first baseman in history.

Pete Alonso’s deal with the Orioles gives him the highest AAV ever for a first baseman. He winds up with $185 million, including his $30 million salary last year, and followed the same track Matt Chapman and Blake Snell did, taking a short-term deal and turning it into a bounty.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2025

Pete Alonso gives the Orioles the power bat they needed

The Orioles failed in their attempt to lure designated hitter Kyle Schwarber away from the Phillies — he re-signed with Philadelphia for five years and $150 million. But Alonso is a great consolation prize.

The addition of Alonso probably signals first basemen Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle could be moved, possibly for a starting pitching. A platoon at first of Samuel Basallo and Alonso (with Alonso getting the bulk of the reps) may be in play.

Likely sliding into the four spot in manager Craig Albernaz’s lineup, Alonso will protect either Basallo or catcher Adley Rutschman, who was a disappointment last season (.220 BA).

The Orioles showed a willingness to spend this offseason after being unwilling to trade their prospects for a big name. Now they have a big name in Alonso, who could lift Baltimore back into contention in the AL East.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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