Alonso Leaves Mets for Orioles in Major Contract

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Mets’ roster continues to change as Pete Alonso has reportedly signed a five-year deal worth $155 million with the Orioles. This news follows Edwin Diaz’s recent move to the Dodgers as a free agent.

Sources indicate that Alonso, who holds the Mets’ record for most home runs, did not receive an offer from the team. On Tuesday, he traveled 90 minutes from his home in Tampa to meet with other teams but did not meet with Mets officials.

Since the conclusion of the last season, the Mets have parted ways with Alonso, Diaz, and Brandon Nimmo. This leaves President of Baseball Operations David Stearns with a considerable task ahead to fill those gaps.

Alonso’s exit was somewhat anticipated, especially considering the difficulties the two sides faced in negotiations last year. He eventually returned for two years at $54 million, with an opt-out clause, which he expressed interest in shortly after the season concluded, and again post-World Series.

“I really enjoyed being with the Mets,” Alonso stated after the last game of the season. “I hope they appreciated me.”

In 2023, Alonso turned down a seven-year offer from the Mets for $158 million. His new deal with the Orioles guarantees him $205 million over the same period, in addition to his earnings from the past two seasons. He’ll be playing in the American League East, where Baltimore’s ballpark is known for being favorable to hitters, a place where he hit five home runs in just ten games.

Alonso put up impressive numbers, batting .272 with a .347 on-base percentage, hitting 38 home runs and driving in 126 runs during the season. He participated in all 162 games for the second consecutive year and secured his fifth All-Star selection.

Alonso’s market value appears to have been influenced by Kyle Schwarber’s five-year, $150 million deal with the Phillies earlier in the week, allowing the Orioles to essentially match that offer for Alonso.

With Alonso gone, the Mets now have an even tougher task in managing how to protect Juan Soto within their lineup. Soto, who joined the team last offseason on a record $765 million contract, had a standout season with 43 home runs, just ahead of Alonso.

“Right-handed power is a commodity,” noted Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras. “A player who can play on the dirt is a commodity.”

There are, however, some questions regarding the 31-year-old Alonso’s defensive capabilities as Stearns looks to improve that aspect. Recently, Nimmo was traded to Texas for Gold Glove-winning second baseman Marcus Semien.

The Mets have to strategize not only their first base position but also their left field, starting rotation, and bullpen. So far, the signing of Devin Williams for three years at $51 million has been their only significant move this offseason.

Affectionately known as the “Polar Bear,” Alonso quickly became a fan favorite after joining the Mets in 2019, setting an MLB rookie record with 53 home runs.

In August, he hit his 253rd home run, surpassing Darryl Strawberry for the top spot in franchise history, finishing with 264 homers during his run with the Mets.

“Pete’s a great Metropolitan,” Stearns commented back in October. “He had an outstanding year. We’re hoping to see how things develop this offseason.”

Stearns reaffirmed at this week’s winter meetings that the organization has a genuine interest in bringing Alonso back.

Among other options, Cody Bellinger stands out as a potential free agent fit for first base and outfield roles for the Mets. Internally, they do have Mark Vientos and Ryan Clifford available, although their experience is limited.