A power hitter of Pete Alonso’s caliber had many suitors when free agency commenced at the end of the 2025 season. But right from the start, the five-time All-Star felt a connection building with the Baltimore Orioles.

Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations drops bold statement after the club signed Pete Alonso to a 5-year deal.

The Orioles are coming off a rough 75-87 season in which they finished last in the AL East after making the playoffs in both 2023 and 2024. The team fired manager Brandon Hyde in May and dealt away several players at the trade deadline, and now the front office is trying to bounce back quickly.

The Orioles have improved their roster this offseason through trades and free agent signings and the team isn't done yet.

The Baltimore Orioles added first baseman Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million deal, bolstering an already promising lineup. But how does their offense stack up against the rest of the AL East? Orioles have a new-look lineup heading into 2026 pic.twitter.com/0OlBWBHxFe