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.
Pete Alonso, the 31-year-old slugger known as the Polar Bear, has agreed to terms on a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, pending a physical. The pact includes a partial no-trade clause and no opt-outs, according to sources. This move comes after Alonso opted out of a two-year deal with the Mets worth $54 million that he signed last offseason.
In 2025, Alonso hit .272 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a 144 OPS+ in 162 games, earning his first Silver Slugger Award and fifth All-Star selection. Over seven seasons with the Mets, he amassed 264 home runs, the most in franchise history, with at least 34 in each of the past five full seasons. His career 14.9% barrel rate ranks 10th among players with at least 1,000 batted balls since 2019.
The Orioles, who finished 75-87 and last in the AL East in 2025, sought to bolster their offense, which ranked 11th in home runs but lacked right-handed power. Camden Yards' return to hitter-friendly dimensions before 2025 favors Alonso; Statcast projects he would have hit 45 home runs there last season, up from 38 at Citi Field. Baltimore's projected lineup places Alonso at first base alongside Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg, and Jackson Holliday.
However, the signing creates a logjam at first base with Ryan Mountcastle and prospect Coby Mayo, potentially making one a trade chip as the Orioles pursue starting pitching like Framber Valdez or Michael King. Orioles executive Mike Elias emphasized acquiring impact players: "If the player’s good enough, we can figure out ways to accommodate them."
For the Mets, who went 83-79 and missed the playoffs in 2025, Alonso's departure follows Edwin Díaz's move to the Dodgers and Brandon Nimmo's trade to the Rangers. The team never offered Alonso a contract, viewing bids as exceeding their comfort zone, and may shift Mark Vientos to first base or pursue Alex Bregman.
