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Orioles Swing Big, Land Pete Alonso in Landmark deal
The Baltimore Orioles have dramatically upgraded their lineup, agreeing to a five-year, $155 million contract wiht free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, as confirmed by CBS Sports. The deal, which does not include any opt-out clauses according to the New York Post, signals a critically important investment in offensive firepower for a team poised to contend. This acquisition comes swiftly after reports surfaced that the Orioles had extended a similar five-year, $155 million offer to Cody Bellinger, who ultimately chose to sign with the Chicago Cubs.
Alonso’s contract ranks as the second-highest ever given to a first baseman, trailing only Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $35.7 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.Miguel Cabrera ($31 million) and Freddie Freeman ($27 million) round out the top earners at the position.
The signing addresses a clear need for right-handed power in the orioles’ lineup, which ranked 11th in home runs in 2025 and frequently enough leaned heavily to the left side of the plate. The move also casts a shadow over the future of erstwhile top prospect Coby Mayo,who failed to impress during his time with the major league club in 2025 and could now become a trade asset. Rumors of a potential trade with the Miami Marlins for right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera have persisted throughout the Winter Meetings, and Mayo could be a key piece in such a deal.
looking ahead to 2026, the Orioles’ projected lineup now boasts considerable strength:
2B Jackson Holliday, LHB
3B Jordan Westburg, RHB
SS Gunnar Henderson, LHB
1B Pete Alonso, RHB
RF Dylan Beavers, LHB/Tyler O’Neill, RHB
LF Taylor Ward, RHB
C Adley Rutschman, SHB
CF Colton Cowser, LHB
DH Samuel Basallo, LHB/Ryan Mountcastle, RHB
While bolstering their offense, the Orioles still have areas to address. Adding depth to their starting rotation behind trevor rogers and Kyle Bradish, as well as strengthening the bullpen, remain priorities. However, the addition of Alonso and Taylor Ward provides a significant boost in right-handed power, creating a more balanced and formidable lineup.
Alonso, 31, enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, hitting.272/.347/.524 (144 OPS+) with 38 home runs and 126 runs batted in.His contributions were valued at an estimated 3.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to baseball Reference. Throughout his career, Alonso has maintained a 135 OPS+ and averaged 3.7 WAR and 42 home runs per season, solidifying his status as a five-time All-Star.
“Alonso just had one of the best seasons of his career,” one analyst noted. “The question is whether he can consistently replicate that performance.”
Despite his notable statistics, some front offices have expressed reservations about investing in right-handed first basemen who are not considered elite defenders, especially as Alonso enters his 30s. However, Alonso clearly bet on himself, opting out of a previous contract to test free agency again – a gamble that has paid off handsomely.
Prior to this deal,Alonso spent his entire career with the New York Mets,becoming the franchise’s all-time home run leader. Last winter, he signed a two-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out clause, which he exercised to re-enter the free-agent market. The Mets had reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158 million extension in June 2023. Combined with his previous earnings, Alonso will now receive $205.5 million from 2024 through 2030.
The Mets’ offseason has been marked by significant change, trading Brandon Nimmo last month and losing Edwin DÃaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency. Alonso’s departure represents another major shift for the organization, which missed the postseason in 2025 despite giving Juan Soto a record-breaking contract. New York has options to fill the void at first base, potentially utilizing Mark Vientos or exploring a trade for a player like Alex Bregman.
Alonso is scheduled to return to Citi Field as a visiting player from September 14-16, promising an emotional reunion with his former fans. The Orioles, meanwhile, are poised to make a serious run at a championship, armed with one of
