Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. had a message for Pete Alonso.
The Baltimore Orioles finally secured a long-term deal with a star on the free agent market at this year’s edition of the winter meetings. First baseman Pete Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million contract to join the Orioles ahead of the 2026 MLB season. He is expected to slot directly into the middle of the lineup and provide a consistent power threat.
The 31-year-old slugger is coming off another outstanding season with the New York Mets, where he spent the first seven years of his career. Over 162 games, Alonso posted a .272 batting average, a .347 on-base percentage, an .871 OPS, 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. Since making his MLB debut in 2019, when he won National League Rookie of the Year, Alonso has enjoyed significant individual success. He is a five-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger Award winner.
As Alonso prepares to contribute to Baltimore’s success in 2026, he received a warm welcome from arguably the best player in franchise history. Orioles legend Cal Ripken responded to the team’s official announcement with his own message. “Welcome to Baltimore Pete! Let’s grab some crabs 🦀👍🏻” he wrote on X.
Ripken’s message carried extra weight given his iconic place in Orioles history. Over 21 seasons with the organization he became the face of Baltimore baseball and earned induction into the Hall of Fame after a career that included two MVP awards, 19 All-Star selections and the 1982 American League Rookie of the Year honor.
Most memorably, Ripken helped deliver the franchise’s last World Series championship in 1983, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in MLB history. His welcome to Alonso was more than a friendly gesture. It was a reminder of the standard that Baltimore stars are expected to uphold.
For Alonso the challenge is clear. The Orioles are counting on his power bat to help lift them back into contention after a disappointing 2025 campaign in which they missed the playoffs and marked a step backward following years of progress.
The front office’s decision to invest heavily in Alonso signals a sense of urgency and a recognition that the window to compete is open but requires bold moves. With Alonso anchoring the lineup, the next priority is adding a proven starting pitcher to stabilize the rotation. If those pieces fall into place, Baltimore could finally chase the kind of October success Ripken once delivered.