Pete Alonso, the Mets’ most prolific home‑run hitter, has agreed to a five‑year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, a move that signals a dramatic shift for both clubs.
Alonso’s Rise and 2025 Performance
Alonso spent the first seven years of his big‑league career with the New York Mets, earning five All‑Star selections, two Home Run Derby titles, a Silver Slugger Award and the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year honors. He turned 31 on Sunday, the same day the Orioles announced the deal. In 2025 he played on a $30 million contract after the Mets were unable to reach a long‑term agreement. He finished the season with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, slashing .272/.347/.524. His performance earned him a fourth consecutive All‑Star bid and moved him past Darryl Strawberry as the Mets’ all‑time leader in home runs.
Mets’ 2025 Collapse
The Mets endured a month‑long collapse to close out the 2025 campaign, missing the postseason entirely after sitting atop the MLB standings in mid‑June. The collapse was one of the most dramatic in the league, as the team fell from first place to the bottom of the standings. Alonso’s departure from the Mets marks the second All‑Star to leave the club in as many days. The Mets’ 2025 season was marked by inconsistency and a failure to maintain their early‑season lead.
Other Key Transactions
Shutdown closer Edwin Diaz also left the Mets in the same week. Diaz joined the two‑time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers on a reported three‑year, $69 million deal on Tuesday. His move to the Dodgers added a proven closer to a team that had recently won the World Series. The Mets lost two of their top pitchers in consecutive days, a blow to their postseason hopes.
Orioles’ 2025 Season and Future Outlook
The Orioles finished last in the AL East with a 75‑87 record in 2025. The team’s performance was below expectations, and the organization is looking to rebuild. Adding Alonso, one of MLB’s premier power bats, is a significant step toward improving the lineup. The Orioles hope that Alonso’s experience and power will translate into a stronger offensive showing in the coming seasons.
Key Takeaways
- Pete Alonso signs a five‑year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
- He finished 2025 with 38 homers, 126 RBIs, and a .272/.347/.524 slash line.
- The Mets suffered a month‑long collapse, missing the postseason after leading the standings mid‑June.
- Edwin Diaz left the Mets for the Dodgers on a three‑year, $69 million contract.
- The Orioles ended the 2025 season 75‑87, last in the AL East.
Alonso’s contract with the Orioles represents a turning point for both franchises. The Mets have lost two of their most valuable players in a short span, while the Orioles are positioning themselves for a competitive future by securing a proven power hitter. The move underscores the shifting dynamics of Major League Baseball as teams adjust their rosters in pursuit of success.
