The Baltimore Orioles' single-season home run record is owned by former first baseman Chris Davis, who launched 53 homers in 2013. Offseason acquisition Pete Alonso did the same as a rookie for the New York Mets in 2019, and he has the talent to surpass that mark in Baltimore.

Davis opened up about that possibility on Wednesday, via WBAL Radio's Glenn Cark.

"I hope he does," the 40-year-old said. "At some point someone will...If he does, it means he's swinging the bat well and the Orioles are probably winning games...To hold that record for awhile, it's pretty cool."

The Texas Rangers traded Davis to the Orioles in July 2011, and he stayed with the latter club until he retired in August 2021. The power-hitter led MLB in homers twice (2013, 2015) and led in RBIs (138) and total bases (370) in 2013. He slashed .230/. 318/.459 with 253 homers and 656 RBIs during his Baltimore tenure.

The Orioles haven't won a playoff game since then, but that could change this season. They added Alonso and veteran outfielder Taylor Ward to a young core led by superstar shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who earned All-Star honors in 2024 and played for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Alonso owns the Mets' franchise record for home runs (264) and was eighth in baseball with 38 homers last season. The 31-year-old was also second with 126 RBIs and 11th with an .871 OPS. 

Alonso breaking Davis' record won't be enough on its own to get Baltimore to the promised land, but it would be helpful to the mission. Regardless, the five-time All-Star's presence gives the club a realistic chance at getting its first playoff win since 2014, Davis's fourth season with the team.

Other than Alonso, Ward, and Henderson, Baltimore will primarily rely on young and unproven players like second baseman Jackson Holliday and catcher/designated hitter Samuel Basallo offensively. Meanwhile, Alonso has nothing left to prove in the regular season. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder has never had an OPS lower than .788 in a season and has hit at least 34 homers every year besides the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. 

That's why the Orioles handed Alonso a five-year, $155 million contract in December. While Henderson is a cornerstone player, they needed another star as they try to make their first deep playoff run of this decade.

Up next for Baltimore is its Opening Day home matchup with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. The game will start at 3:05 p.m. ET.