LIVE: Orioles unveil new slugger Alonso to a nation of fans
After turning heads around baseball by signing Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal, the Orioles are introducing their new All-Star first baseman at a news conference at Camden Yards. The event is being streamed in real time on Orioles.com and MLB.com.
Alonso’s contract stands out as the highest average annual value ever for a first baseman. It also marks the largest single commitment in Orioles history, a bold splash not seen since they signed Chris Davis to a seven-year, $161 million contract in 2016.
The addition promises to boost an offense that underperformed in the previous season, when Baltimore finished 75-87 and in last place in the American League East. The 31-year-old Alonso is a five-time All-Star who captured his first National League Silver Slugger Award in 2025, posting a .272 batting average with 41 doubles, 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and an .871 OPS across 162 games.
Across seven MLB seasons (all with the Mets), Alonso has hit 264 home runs, including at least 34 in each of the last five years. Known as the Polar Bear, he is a two-time Home Run Derby champion (2019 and 2021), has earned NL MVP Award consideration in three of the past four seasons, and played all 162 games in both 2024 and 2025. He is celebrated for his teammate-friendly approach and a fun, sometimes goofy, personality. More background on his character and impact can be found in Mets-related coverage and teammate testimonials.
The Alonso acquisition could shift the Orioles’ lineup enough to turn top prospects like Ryan Mountcastle and/or Coby Mayo into trade assets, as Baltimore continues to explore starting pitching options this offseason. The focus remains on Alonso today, yet his arrival signals that Baltimore has become a credible contender in free agency and a serious player in shaping the team’s future.
Thought-provoking questions to consider: How might Alonso’s presence influence Baltimore’s pitching strategy this winter? Could the team’s success hinge on adding a frontline starter, or will the power upgrade from Alonso be enough to change the forecast for the 2026 season? Share your take in the comments—do you agree with the move, or would you have pursued a different path to bolster the Orioles? And if you were building the roster around Alonso, what accompanying moves would you prioritize to maximize impact?
