Mets owner Steve Cohen at press conference on Alonso's Orioles signing amid fan frustration.
Mets owner Steve Cohen at press conference on Alonso's Orioles signing amid fan frustration.
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Mets owner Cohen addresses Alonso's Orioles signing, fan frustration

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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen acknowledged fans' disappointment over Pete Alonso's five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles and closer Edwin Díaz's departure, as reported in initial coverage of the slugger's Winter Meetings move.

In the wake of Pete Alonso's agreement to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles—confirmed Wednesday amid the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando—Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed growing fan frustration. "I understand why fans are frustrated after losing Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz," Cohen said.

The 30-year-old first baseman, who rebounded in 2025 with a .272/.347/.524 line after 2024 struggles, leaves the Mets without a long-term offer. New York is now eyeing Paul Goldschmidt as a replacement, potentially platooning the 38-year-old— who hit .274/.328/.403 last year and .336 vs. lefties—with Jeff McNeil.

For Baltimore, Alonso upgrades first base over Ryan Mountcastle, who fell below league average in 2025. The Orioles pivoted to Alonso after Kyle Schwarber's five-year, $150 million Phillies extension and outreach to Kyle Tucker, bolstering their AL East lineup with proven power.

What people are saying

Mets fans predominantly express anger and disappointment towards owner Steve Cohen and GM David Stearns for failing to offer Pete Alonso a contract, allowing his departure to the Orioles; Cohen publicly acknowledged fan frustration. A minority view Alonso as not committed long-term. Orioles fans celebrate the power addition.

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Pete Alonso in Baltimore Orioles uniform signing his five-year, $155 million contract at a celebratory press conference.
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Pete Alonso signs five-year deal with Baltimore Orioles

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First baseman Pete Alonso has agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, leaving the New York Mets after his entire career with the team. The deal comes after the Orioles missed out on Kyle Schwarber and pivots to add a proven power hitter to their lineup. Alonso, who turned 31 this month, ranked as a top free agent following a strong 2025 season.

First baseman Pete Alonso has agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, leaving the New York Mets after becoming their all-time home run leader. The deal, reported during the Winter Meetings, marks the highest average annual value for a first baseman and strengthens Baltimore's lineup with right-handed power. The Mets, who did not make a formal offer, now face significant roster changes following departures of key players.

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Pete Alonso's move to the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $155 million deal—reported earlier this week—marks another key departure for the New York Mets, who are overhauling their roster amid recent playoff misses and the losses of Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers and Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers.

The New York Mets have transformed their roster in a bold 2025-2026 offseason rebuild under president David Stearns, signing Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal at third base, acquiring outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and ace Freddy Peralta, and building around stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. After losing Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil, these moves—projected for a combined 10.4 WAR—position the Mets as NL East frontrunners and playoff contenders, validating calls for fan patience.

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The New York Mets' hopes of signing top free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette have dimmed as negotiations stall over contract length. With a payroll already at $277.3 million, the Mets appear reluctant to commit to the multi-year deals sought by the right-handed hitters. Meanwhile, the broader MLB free agency market has seen several high-profile signings, leaving Tucker as the top unsigned prize.

The New York Mets have traded infielder Jeff McNeil and cash considerations to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. This move clears space in the Mets' infield amid an offseason roster overhaul that has seen several long-tenured players depart. McNeil, a key part of the Mets for eight seasons, heads to Oakland as the team reshapes its lineup.

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As the MLB offseason heats up ahead of the 2026 season, the Seattle Mariners are prepared to offer top prospects for St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers remain lukewarm on free agent Alex Bregman, and the Baltimore Orioles have re-signed pitcher Zach Eflin. Other notable developments include interest in Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto and Andrew Heaney's retirement.

 

 

 

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