TAMPA, FL — Pete Alonso is bringing veteran leadership to the young Baltimore Orioles and has already embraced the opportunity of being with the team. Alonso inked a five-year deal worth $155 million with Baltimore this past offseason, leaving the franchise he was drafted by, the New York Mets.
The 31-year-old first baseman set the Mets’ franchise all-time home run record last season with 264, passing Darryl Strawberry’s previous club record of 252 home runs. Surprisingly Alonso did not bring that up when Latino Sports asked him about his favorite Mets memory at George M. Steinbrenner Field this past Friday before the O’s played the New York Yankees.
“I take pride in being available every day,” he said during our discussion. “I take pride in working hard, and I take pride in being a good teammate.”
Alonso has been extremely durable throughout his career, only missing 23 games in his seven years of being a Major Leaguer. The Orioles—finishing in last place last season in a loaded AL East that saw the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays make the postseason—will be getting a dependable bat in their lineup that has played 162 games each of the last few seasons.
He was the main free agent they signed, but the organization also made several notable signings and trades after agreeing to terms with Alonso.
The Baltimore Orioles and Pete Alonso agreed to a five-year/$155 million deal in December of the 2025 after the 31-year-old opting out of his three-year deal with the Mets – Image Credit: Simon Lindenblatt/Latino Sports
“It’s gonna be a blast, we got a great group,” said Alonso. “We got a very talented group, and I’m stoked for the season.”
Moreover, Alonso’s hometown of Tampa Bay is just a little over an hour drive away from Sarasota which is where Baltimore’s spring training complex is located, providing a much closer proximity than Port St. Lucie where the Mets are stationed.
“For me, it’s been great,” Alonso said. “I live on the west coast of Florida, so it’s been nice to spend time at home, for a longer period of time. I’ve really enjoyed my time, like, getting to be home for dinner every night.”
Pete Alonso is enjoying his new start with Orioles during Spring Training and is excited for the 2026 season to kick off in Baltimore – Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz/Latino Sports
Another interesting thing with Alonso is that his grandfather on his father’s side was born in Spain so with that information, Latino Sports recognized him by naming Alonso our prestigious National League LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year in 2019.
“It’s really a blessing, and I’m very proud of my heritage.”
-Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso
This spring, Alonso hit a home run in his first at-bat as an Oriole against the Yankees and has gone deep just one other time in Spring Training so far.
Overall, the right-handed swinging slugger has two home runs, three RBI, a batting average of .275, and an OPS of .770 in 51 at-bats.
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Blanca I Canino Pabón
March 21, 2026 at 11:06 pm
It is sad to see that Pete left the New York Mets, but this apparently is a better deal for him. Latino Sports always covers great articles and very informative. Thank you.