The era of the “Polar Bear” is over in Queens. Pete Alonso reportedly agreed to sign a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, giving the O’s a big power bat to help compete with the other powers in the AL East. As for the Mets, it’s another notable free agent defection.
A Look at Alonso
There are very few sluggers who can match the kind of power Pete Alonso brings to the table. Across the last four seasons, Alonso is one of eight players to hit at least 110 home runs and 260 extra-base hits. He’s part of a select list that includes Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Matt Olson, Jose Ramirez, and Rafael Devers.
Alonso became a free agent last year for the first time. However, after he posted a career-low .788 OPS in the regular season, even a strong playoff run couldn’t get him a long-term deal. He instead re-signed on a two-year deal, which included an opt-out clause after 2025.
The 31-year-old did opt out, weeks after formally stating he would after the 2025 season.
He did very well hitting behind Juan Soto, as he cracked 38 home runs, set a career-high in doubles (41), and won his first Silver Slugger.
Alonso is a premium hitter. He can take the ball to all fields and hit home runs to every side. The bat speed didn’t decline, either.
Defensively, Alonso has been a question mark. He doesn’t have great speed, although Alonso worked very hard over the years to improve at first. Alonso also had a case of the yips early on in the year, part of the reason why he had a career-high 10 errors. DRS (-9) did not look fondly at him this year.
Per MLB.com and ESPN, Pete Alonso will get a five-year deal worth $155MM.
Analysis
One year after Alonso didn’t secure a suitable long-term deal, the slugger did. Now, he’ll join an Orioles team that’s been aggressive to this point in the winter. Previously, the Orioles added ex-Met and former NL Reliever of the Year Ryan Helsley to take over as closer. Before then, the O’s added Taylor Ward via trade.
For the O’s, this is the time to spend. The Orioles have Gunnar Henderson under control for the next three years, while Samuel Basallo was already locked up to a long-term deal, one where he’ll make $1.625MM in 2026. Not to mention, controllable outfielders like Colton Cowser & Dylan Beavers, plus pitchers like Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells.
If 2025 was any indication, it’s that the arms race in the AL East is on. And to compete, teams in that division need to be deep, both in the pitching department and at the plate. With Alonso in tow, it’s not hard to conceive a potential lineup of Henderson, Ward, Basallo, and Alonso in the top four in some order.
It also means that the O’s will have to consider what to do with Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo. Mayo, who can play first and third, is less of an issue at the moment (although he would likely have more trade value). Mountcastle, who made almost $7MM last year, is a different story.
As for the Mets, this is a major loss. Per the rumor mill, the Mets weren’t keen on going beyond three years with Alonso. If last year’s free agency was any indication, it was clear that the Mets weren’t thrilled with that prospect.
The problem, though, is that by losing Nimmo and Alonso, a lot of power has been lost in that Mets’ lineup. It puts the onus, right now, on players like Brett Baty and Mark Vientos.
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