The Baltimore Orioles added one of the best players in baseball this winter.
The Baltimore Orioles made one of the biggest splashes of the 2025 offseason by signing first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract. For Baltimore, the move was about more than adding a power bat — it was a statement that the franchise intends to contend in the American League East and build around a lineup that already features Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holliday.
Alonso, nicknamed the “Polar Bear,” arrives in Baltimore with a reputation as one of the most feared sluggers in baseball, a player who has consistently delivered home run power and run production since debuting with the New York Mets in 2019.
As Alonso prepares for his first season in orange and black, MLB Network offered a reminder of his standing among the game’s elite. In its annual Top 100 Players Right Now list, Alonso was ranked No. 33 overall, a placement MLB shared in an announcement on X earlier this week.
The ranking underscores his continued value as one of the premier first basemen in the sport, even as he transitions to a new team and league.
Alonso’s 2025 campaign with the Mets was one of his most complete offensive seasons. He posted a .272 batting average, .347 on-base percentage,.871 OPS, 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, while also leading the National League with 41 doubles.
The 31-year-old appeared in 162 games for a second straight season. That production earned him his first Silver Slugger Award and reaffirmed his reputation as a durable, middle-of-the-order force.
Over seven seasons in New York, Alonso compiled 264 home runs and 712 RBIs, cementing his place as one of the most consistent power hitters in the game.
The Orioles believe Alonso’s presence will immediately elevate their offense. Camden Yards, already a challenging park for opposing pitchers, could become even more dangerous with Alonso anchoring the lineup. His ability to drive in runs and change games with one swing provides Baltimore with the kind of impact bat they have lacked in recent years.
Being ranked No. 33 on MLB’s list reflects both Alonso’s past achievements and his projected contributions in Baltimore. It places him firmly among the sport’s top tier, just behind other elite sluggers like Matt Olson and Bryce Harper, while highlighting his durability and sustained production.
For the Orioles, the recognition validates their investment and signals to fans that Alonso is expected to be a cornerstone in their pursuit of a World Series title.