'No hesitation at all': Alonso all-in on Orioles' blueprint for winning

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.

Alonso felt those good vibes early in his meetings with Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias. Agent Scott Boras returned from meetings with Orioles owner David Rubenstein and told Alonso how much the Orioles valued his services and what they could do with him in the middle of their star-studded young lineup.

"The biggest thing is how they see the game,” Alonso said at his introductory press conference at Camden Yards on Friday. “How they see the future moving forward. It was the entire blueprint. Just their passion for winning and also their vision and what they were willing [to do]. ‘This is where we see you and how we are going to get there. You are going to be a big part of winning a championship here.’"

Alonso liked what he saw with the Orioles. He quickly got a hold of his wife, Haley.

“I remember texting my wife, ‘This is going to be the place for us. This is the place for the Alonsos.’ And she's like, ‘OK! Let's do it.’”

"For me, I have played on a couple of winning teams,” Alonso said. “You need talent, you need young guys. You need a mix of veterans and you need commitment from the top. For me there was no hesitation at all. It's like, yup, that’s the team. Yup, these are the people. Baltimore is it."

And that was it for Alonso this week, agreeing to a five-year, $155 million dollar deal to be the new Orioles everyday first baseman.

Watching his young team take a step back in 2025, Elias knew they needed to swing big in free agency. Rubenstein was on board and at the Winter Meetings, their focus turned to Alonso.

“Everything that we are doing, we have David and the rest of the group to thank,” Elias said. "I think we have a whole new era in front of us and signing Pete is a big part of that, but also a big symbol of where we think we are going."

Rubenstein was in high school when a young 30-something slugger by the name of Frank Robinson arrived and helped the Orioles to a World Series championship in 1966. He sees a comparison with Alonso.

"That’s really high praise,” Alonso said of Rubenstein’s compliment. “I appreciate that.

"I love playing here. Every time that we've come here and I've played at Camden I've really enjoyed myself. It's a phenomenal baseball environment and it's a tremendously gorgeous park. This is going to be home for us and we are incredibly grateful."

New Orioles skipper Craig Albernaz loves the signing of Alonso because of the 31-year-old’s experience in big moments.

"Playing in New York and being battle tested in the postseason,” Albernaz said. “To have that along with his track record, and playing every day, and posting up every day for the boys, that’s a huge thing for our guys."

Alonso enjoyed his conversations with Albernaz as they embark on their inaugural seasons in the orange and black at Oriole Park. The newest Bird reached out to former Orioles and Mets manager Buck Showalter to get his take on the move to Baltimore after seven seasons in Queens.

"He had nothing but beautiful things to say, not just about the fan base, just this whole area. He said, ‘Pete, you're going to absolutely crush this place.’”