Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are off to a rough start.
The Baltimore Orioles are searching for answers after a disappointing weekend that saw them drop three straight games to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and veteran right-handed slugger Pete Alonso is not shying away from responsibility.
Baltimore entered the series with expectations of taking care of business against a team widely viewed as one of the weaker clubs in the National League. Instead, the Orioles were swept in the three-game set, a result that quickly raised concerns given the team’s aspirations of competing for an American League pennant in 2026.
Alonso, one of the team’s biggest offseason additions, was at the center of that frustration. “In the first two games, I for sure fell short. I had plenty of opportunities to drive some guys in,” Alonso said (h/t Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun).
The 31-year-old first baseman’s honesty reflects both the pressure that comes with his role and the standard he holds himself to. Signed to a five-year $155 million contract this past winter, Alonso was brought in to anchor the middle of Baltimore’s lineup and provide consistent run production.
Through the opening stretch of the season, however, things have not gone as planned. Alonso managed just one hit in 12 at-bats during the series against Pittsburgh and is now hitting .229 with a .308 on-base percentage and .651 OPS across his first nine games in an Orioles uniform.
While those numbers are underwhelming, it is still early in the season, and there is plenty of time for him to find his groove. More importantly, his willingness to take accountability stands out in a clubhouse that features plenty of young talent.
Alonso’s track record suggests better days are ahead. Now in his eighth MLB season, he has built a reputation as one of the game’s best power hitters. A former Rookie of the Year, five-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, he has consistently been one of the most dangerous bats in baseball.
That pedigree is exactly why the Orioles made such a significant investment in him. Even during a slow start, there is confidence that he can turn things around quickly and begin producing at the level expected of him.
As for Baltimore, the focus now shifts to bouncing back. The Orioles will look to regroup as they prepare for a matchup against the Chicago White Sox, another team that has struggled in recent seasons.
If the Orioles are going to meet their high expectations, they will need Alonso to lead the way offensively. His early struggles may have contributed to a rough series, but his leadership and accountability could prove just as valuable as his bat moving forward.