Why did Pete Alonso leave the New York Mets despite his strong performance?

Pete Alonso left the Mets because the team only offered him contracts of three years or less, which did not meet his desire for long-term security, leading him to sign a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

What impact is Pete Alonso expected to have on the Baltimore Orioles?

Pete Alonso is expected to significantly upgrade the Orioles' offense, adding a powerful middle-of-the-order bat to a young lineup that underperformed in 2025, and bringing durability and consistent power hitting.

How are the New York Mets performing at the Winter Meetings following Alonso's departure?

The Mets are struggling to make significant moves at the Winter Meetings after Alonso's departure, raising doubts about their ability to capitalize on their advantages and effectively rebound from recent setbacks.

What record does Pete Alonso's new contract with the Orioles hold?

Alonso's five-year, $155 million contract has a $31 million average annual value, marking the highest average annual value ever given to a first baseman in baseball history.

What are the potential roster implications for the Orioles following Alonso's signing?

With Alonso signed as the primary first baseman, younger players like Coby Mayo may be used as trade assets to acquire pitching, and players like Samuel Basallo may see more playing time as designated hitters rather than at first base or catcher.

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14d ago

Mets Face Uncertainty After Alonso's Departure and Winter Meetings Struggles

The New York Mets are struggling at the Winter Meetings, raising doubts about their rebound after star slugger Pete Alonso signed a record-setting $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, departing from the team.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Pete Alonso, a prominent slugger and the Mets' all-time home run leader, officially signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, marking his departure from the New York Mets.

The contract's $31 million average annual value establishes a new record for a first baseman in baseball history, following Alonso's productive 2025 season with the Mets.

Alonso's move occurred because the New York Mets did not offer him a contract exceeding three years, leading him to seek a long-term agreement elsewhere despite being a five-time All-Star.

Following Alonso's exit and a disappointing end to their 2025 season, the New York Mets are now struggling to make significant moves during the current Winter Meetings.

This inability to secure key deals at the Winter Meetings is raising doubts about the Mets' capacity to capitalize on their advantages and effectively bounce back from recent setbacks.

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources frame the Pete Alonso deal as a clear "winners and losers" scenario, portraying the Orioles as strategically ascendant and the Mets as "caught slipping." They use evaluative language and structural choices to emphasize Baltimore's shrewdness and New York's missteps, highlighting the deal's significant repercussions for both franchises.

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Orioles agree to $155 million, 5-year deal with slugger Pete Alonso, AP source says

Associated Press•14d ago

Slugger Pete Alonso agrees to a 5-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles

Chicago Tribune•14d ago

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FAQ

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: Pete Alonso left the Mets because the team only offered him contracts of three years or less, which did not meet his desire for long-term security, leading him to sign a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
Sources:
Blue Jays Nation
: Pete Alonso is expected to significantly upgrade the Orioles' offense, adding a powerful middle-of-the-order bat to a young lineup that underperformed in 2025, and bringing durability and consistent power hitting.
Sources:
Baltimore Positive
: The Mets are struggling to make significant moves at the Winter Meetings after Alonso's departure, raising doubts about their ability to capitalize on their advantages and effectively rebound from recent setbacks.
Sources:
Blue Jays Nation
: Alonso's five-year, $155 million contract has a $31 million average annual value, marking the highest average annual value ever given to a first baseman in baseball history.
Sources:
MLB.com
: With Alonso signed as the primary first baseman, younger players like Coby Mayo may be used as trade assets to acquire pitching, and players like Samuel Basallo may see more playing time as designated hitters rather than at first base or catcher.
Sources:
Baltimore Positive