First baseman Pete Alonso is reportedly on the brink of finalizing a substantial five-year contract worth $155 million with the Baltimore Orioles, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. This development comes after Alonso, who earned $30 million with the New York Mets in 2025, demonstrated his value on the field, rebounding with impressive statistics that include a .272 batting average, a .347 on-base percentage, and a .524 slugging percentage. He notably hit 38 home runs and drove in 126 RBIs while batting behind superstar Juan Soto—marking a significant year for the slugger.
Alonso, a five-time All-Star, also made headlines as he became the Mets’ all-time leader in home runs in August, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s longstanding record of 252. This achievement solidified his position as one of the franchise’s most cherished players. His performance in 2025 was his most productive since his rookie season, highlighted by an improved underlying metric (xwOBA) that reached a career-best level. Key adjustments in his batting—such as a decrease in his strikeout rate and an increase in power—were evident, particularly as he shortened his swing, elevating him into the 74th percentile among hitters.
Despite this offensive resurgence, Alonso’s baserunning and defensive metrics showed a decline, primarily due to limited range. Following a disappointing conclusion to the season for the Mets, characterized by a dramatic 3.5-month collapse that saw them fall from first to missing the playoffs, Alonso opted to forgo the $24 million remaining on his contract, entering free agency once again. Turning 31 later this month, he expressed a desire for a long-term deal after declining a seven-year, $158 million extension offer in the summer of 2023—a decision influenced by the reluctance of president of baseball operations David Stearns to engage in further negotiations.
Having been a valued member of the Mets since being drafted in the second round in 2016, Alonso made an immediate impact by leading MLB with 53 home runs in 2019, earning the NL Rookie of the Year Award. His dynamic profile, characterized by slugging prowess and a vibrant personality, has left a lasting impression on the organization and its fanbase.
