The New York Mets Enter a New Era

The New York Mets are set for a significant transformation as they gear up for next season.

Key players are leaving, with outfielder Brandon Nimmo traded to the Texas Rangers, and closer Edwin Diaz reportedly joining the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rumors are swirling that Pete Alonso, too, will don a different jersey next year.

According to multiple reports, Alonso, 31, has finalized a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. His annual average value of $31 million stands out as the highest ever for a first baseman.

Alonso burst onto the scene with the Mets in 2019, quickly making a name for himself by securing the National League Rookie of the Year title and hitting a league-leading 53 home runs. Over his seven seasons with the Mets, he earned All-Star honors five times and clinched the Home Run Derby twice.

His last season was, without a doubt, one of his finest, boasting a .272 batting average along with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. He also led the National League with 41 doubles.

Throughout his career, Alonso has demonstrated exceptional durability, playing all 162 games in each of the past two seasons and never dipping below 152 games in a full season—except for the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, where he appeared in 57 games.

Known affectionately as “Pole Pete,” he will undoubtedly make a substantial impact at the plate for the Orioles. Yet, the team faced a tough 2025, finishing last in the American League East with a 75-87 record after reaching the postseason in the prior two years.

Interestingly, Alonso isn’t the only former Mets player signing with the Orioles this offseason. They also reportedly brought in pitcher Ryan Helsley on a two-year contract and outfielder Taylor Ward, who arrived via trade from the Los Angeles Angels after a breakout season, where he hit a career-high 36 home runs.

With these acquisitions, the Orioles appear to be bolstering their lineup in hopes of a return to postseason glory between Alonso and Ward.