Pete Alonso to Orioles on $155 million contract, a huge splash in AL East

Pete Alonso made his MLB debut in 2019.

The Polar Bear is heading south to Charm City.

The Baltimore Orioles agreed to terms with slugging first baseman Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million contract Dec. 10, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been finalized.

The Orioles pry the New York Mets' all-time home run leader with a $31 million average annual value that marks the largest per annum commitment in franchise history, while dealing a significant blow to a Mets squad that saw beloved closer Edwin Diaz depart for the Los Angeles Dodgers and fan favorite Brandon Nimmo traded to the Texas Rangers.

That marks an end to Alonso's seven seasons with Mets, during which he hit 264 home runs - passing franchise icon Darryl Strawberry - made five All-Star Games, won a pair of Home Run Derbys and played a huge role in the Mets reaching the playoffs in 2022 and 2024.

In Baltimore, he immediately becomes the focal point of a lineup populated with young, All-Star hitters - and Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg and Co. should benefit significantly from Alonso's presence at the plate and in the clubhouse.

It's also a significant planting of the Orioles flag during a winter in club president Mike Elias insisted they had money for both a big bat and a rotation upgrade - evidenced by their $150 million offer to Kyle Schwarber, who chose a similar tender to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. Alonso's deal is the second-largest in total value in Orioles history, behind Chris Davis's $161 million extension signed in 2016.

A day later, they proved that wasn't a singular pursuit by reeling in Alonso.

Alonso set MLB's rookie record with 53 home runs in 2019, immediately becoming one of baseball's most prolific power hitters. His 264 homers since 2019 trail only Aaron Judge (285) and Kyle Schwarber (268).

Alonso was an instant fan-favorite in Flushing and went on to become the Mets' all-time home run king, breaking Strawberry's career mark in 2025. He has been an All-Star five times in six 162-game seasons and made the Home Run Derby his signature event, winning back-to-back crowns in 2019 and 2021.

The deal marks the end of Alonso's second free agency in as many years, finally reuniting with the Mets at the beginning of 2025 spring training on a two-year deal that allowed him to opt out after the first year.

Alonso was coming off the worst season of his career last winter and suitors seemed hesitant to issue a multi-year deal. But Alonso bounced back in a big way in 2025, raising his OPS nearly 100 points to .871 and posted a career-high .272 average. Alonso's .524 slugging percentage was the best since his record-breaking rookie campaign.

His solid season couldn't stop the Mets' slide in the standings, as their 38-55 record since mid-June torpedoed their playoff hopes, which came down to the final game of the season. Now, their winter is off to a rocky start.

The Mets took Alonso in the second round of the 2016 draft out of the University of Florida.

"Pete is a great Met. He had a fantastic year," Mets president David Stearns said at the end of the 2025 season. "I said this last year, and it worked out - I'd love to have Pete back, and we'll see where the offseason goes."

Contributing: Bob Nightengale

Pete Alonso contract details

Five years, $155 million: There are no opt-outs, and he received a limited no-trade clause.

Pete Alonso stats

Pete Alonso has 264 home runs in 1,008 games across seven seasons.

Alonso is a five-time All-Star, two-time Home Run Derby champion and was the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year.