Newly signed Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso chose jersey number 25 to honor his son born in 2025, as revealed at his introductory press conference on Thursday. The five-time All-Star, who agreed to a five-year, $155 million deal earlier this week after seven seasons with the Mets, expressed excitement about the team's championship potential.
Pete Alonso, the 'Polar Bear,' officially donned his new colors at Camden Yards on Dec. 12, selecting No. 25 for personal reasons. No. 20, his Mets number, is retired by the Orioles for Frank Robinson. In an Orioles video, Alonso explained: '2025 is such a special year for me and my family because we welcomed our son into the world in the year 2025. So I chose 25 because of him.' He and wife Haley welcomed Teddy on Sept. 21, 2025.
Alonso connected quickly with Orioles leadership, meeting president of baseball operations Mike Elias and owner David Rubenstein. 'The biggest thing is how they see the game... You are going to be a big part of winning a championship here,' he said, texting Haley afterward: 'This is going to be the place for us.'
The Orioles, who finished last in the AL East in 2025 after recent playoffs, view Alonso as key to a new era. Elias thanked Rubenstein for support, while owner compared him to Robinson, who led the 1966 World Series win. New manager Craig Albernaz praised Alonso's New York postseason experience: 'Playing in New York and being battle tested... that’s a huge thing.' Former Mets manager Buck Showalter endorsed the move: 'Pete, you're going to absolutely crush this place.'
Alonso called Baltimore home: 'This is going to be home for us and we are incredibly grateful.'