The Baltimore Orioles have reached an agreement with top free-agent slugger Pete Alonso on a five-year deal worth $155 million, making him the highest-paid player left on the market, according to CBS Sports. Unlike some contracts, this one does not include an opt-out option. The Orioles have yet to officially announce the signing. This deal was finalized shortly after Baltimore reportedly matched a similar five-year, $150 million offer previously given to Kyle Schwarber by the Philadelphia Phillies, adding an extra $1 million annually before committing to Alonso.
Alonso’s $31 million average annual salary ranks as the second-highest ever for a first baseman, just behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $35.7 million. Other top salaries include Miguel Cabrera and Freddie Freeman, both earning around $27 to $31 million. Meanwhile, Coby Mayo, once a promising prospect, has struggled in 2025 and may be considered for trade, especially as the Orioles pursued Miami Marlins’ pitcher Edward Cabrera during the winter meetings. Heading into the 2026 season, Baltimore’s lineup features a well-balanced mix of left- and right-handed hitters, including sluggers Alonso and Taylor Ward, improving the team’s power hitting and lineup depth compared to previous years.
Alonso, 31, delivered a solid 2025 season with a .272 batting average, 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs, contributing significantly with an estimated 3.4 wins above replacement. Over his career, he has averaged 42 home runs and been selected for the All-Star team five times. Despite some skepticism from teams about right-handed first basemen entering their 30s, Alonso’s recent performance and contract demonstrate confidence in his continued value. His entire career was with the New York Mets, where he became the franchise’s home run leader, but after opting out of a previous two-year, $54 million contract, he entered free agency this offseason.
The Mets, who traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo and lost closer Edwin Diaz to free agency, are undergoing significant roster changes following a disappointing 83-79 season and missing the playoffs despite signing Juan Soto to a historic deal. They are exploring various options to fill Alonso’s spot, including shifting Mark Vientos to first base or pursuing free agent Alex Bregman. Alonso will return to Citi Field as a visiting player in mid-September next season.
Fan Take: This blockbuster signing signals a major power shift in the Orioles’ lineup and could reinvigorate the team’s competitive fire in the AL East. For baseball fans, Alonso’s move reminds us how free agency can dramatically reshape team fortunes and spark fresh rivalries, keeping the sport exciting and unpredictable.
