Baltimore lands former Mets slugger in blockbuster deal that gives them a franchise-altering bat.
The Baltimore Orioles made the biggest splash of the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings on Wednesday, agreeing to a five-year, $155 million contract with first baseman Pete Alonso, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The deal marks the largest free-agent signing in franchise history and gives Alonso the highest average annual value ever for a first baseman.
When combined with his $30 million salary from the Mets last season, Alonso winds up with $185 million over the past two years and the new contract, per Passan.
The 31-year-old slugger leaves New York after spending his entire career with the Mets and becomes the centerpiece of Baltimore's revamped lineup heading into the 2026 season.
Alonso's Bounce-Back Season Pays Off
Alonso bet on himself in 2025, and it paid off in a big way.
After struggling to land a long-term deal last offseason and settling for a two-year, $54 million pact with an opt-out clause, the five-time All-Star put together one of the best seasons of his career.
He slashed .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBI across 162 games for the Mets, posting a 144 OPS+ and earning his first career Silver Slugger Award.
Alonso also led the National League with 41 doubles and showed improved plate discipline by cutting down on his strikeout rate.
For his career, the "Polar Bear" has hit 264 home runs with a 135 OPS+ and owns the Mets' all-time franchise record for home runs.
He remains one of the most feared power hitters in baseball and gives Baltimore exactly the kind of right-handed bat they have been searching for.
How Alonso Transforms the Orioles
The Orioles finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 75-87 record after injuries derailed their campaign and led to the midseason firing of manager Brandon Hyde.
Despite having young stars like Gunnar Henderson, who hit .253 with 17 home runs and a .787 OPS in 2025, and Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Baltimore lacked a consistent middle-of-the-order threat.
Alonso fixes that problem right away. He slots into the heart of the lineup alongside Henderson and gives the Orioles a proven run producer who has averaged 42 home runs per season over his career.
His power bat should play well at Camden Yards, and his presence takes pressure off Baltimore's young core.
Could More Moves Be Coming?
Even after the Alonso signing, the Orioles are not done.
President of baseball operations Mike Elias has made it clear that adding a frontline starting pitcher remains the club's top priority heading into 2026.
Baltimore has been linked to names like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen in free agency, while also exploring trade options such as Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera.
The Orioles already added closer Ryan Helsley on a two-year, $28 million deal and acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Angels.
With roughly $40-50 million in payroll space remaining, expect Elias to stay aggressive as Baltimore looks to bounce back and compete in a loaded AL East.