SARASOTA, Fla. — Pete Alonso’s New Beginning with the Orioles

So, if there was any uncertainty about Pete Alonso embracing his new role after moving from the Mets, it was pretty much cleared up during an interview. He paused mid-sentence, reflecting on his recent spring debut where the Orioles gave up a home run in extra innings.

As “Thank You God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver echoed through Ed Smith Stadium, Alonso chuckled and said, “I really love this song. This year is going to be really fun.” His transition from Queens to Baltimore seemed well accepted.

Yes, Alonso’s still sporting orange, just a different hue now, and while he didn’t play this time against the Yankees, he appeared at ease in his new Orioles uniform, entertaining fans by smashing the baseball.

During the Orioles’ 2-0 victory over the Yankees, he expressed, “I’m honored to wear it. I feel great. Honestly, I couldn’t have felt better.”

After signing a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles in December—marking the end of his long tenure with the Mets—Alonso received warm applause from the crowd of 7,886 with each at-bat.

While most Orioles starters exited the game after the fifth inning of their Grapefruit League opener, Alonso opted to stay for one more at-bat. Previously, he had nearly hit an extra-base hit but was robbed by center fielder Kennedy Corona. Yet, in his third at-bat, he connected well.

Facing a breaking ball from right-hander Bradley Hananer, he sent the ball soaring over the left-field fence at an impressive 167.2 mph.

This moment showcased some of the challenges the Yankees might endure this season, as Alonso’s history with the Mets—he previously hit 11 home runs in just 32 games against them—was a reminder of his potent hitting.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked, “I feel like he hurt us. He’s had some big hits against us… he’s a big presence in the lineup.” Boone acknowledged Alonso’s durability and the boost he would provide for opposing teams. “Having that 40-homer guy in the center every night is going to lengthen their lineup,” he noted.

As far as the rivalry goes, Alonso views the Orioles-Yankees matchup a bit differently than Mets-Yankees. He shared, “Yankee Stadium is always fun because it’s a really great place to play and a fun place to hit.” He finds the competition stimulating when facing good teams.

Concluding, Alonso expressed eagerness for the new chapter in his career, saying, “I’m really excited to go out there and compete with this team that we’ve got here.” Exciting times ahead, indeed.