Pete Alonso Joining Orioles on 5-Year, $155 Million Deal Has Mets Fans Shaking Their Heads: “Disaster of an Offseason”

Pete Alonso opted out of his 2-year, $54 million deal after the New York Mets missed the playoffs on the final day of the season.

Pete Alonso Joining Orioles on 5-Year, $155 Million Deal Has Mets Fans Shaking Their Heads: “Disaster of an Offseason”

Pete Alonso (Image via Imago)

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Pete Alonso will not be returning to the New York Mets next season. On Wednesday, the MLB fandom was left shocked as reports claimed that the 5-time All-Star had agreed to join the Baltimore Orioles on a 5-year, $155 million deal.

The first baseman had opted out of his contract following the end of the 2025 season. After becoming a free agent last offseason, he re-signed with the Mets on a 2-year, $54 million deal which had an opt-out clause after the 2025 campaign.

The previous season was a major disappointment for the Mets. Following a solid start, which saw them have the best record in the league at one stage, the team suffered a huge dip in their form and went on massive losing runs.

The Mets finished the season with an 83-79 record and missed out on the playoffs on the final day of the season. Following the game, the 31-year-old announced his decision to opt-out of his contract once again and explore free agency.

On Wednesday, Alonso’s free agency saga came to an end. The “Polar Bear” will now move to the American League East and put on a different uniform for the first time in his MLB career.

As per reports, Alonso’s deal is the highest Average Annual Value (AAV) given to a first baseman in MLB history. It is also the highest AAV in Orioles history and their second-largest commitment, since signing Chris Davis to a 7-year, $161 million deal in 2016.

Alonso’s addition gives a massive boost to the offense of the Orioles. Despite the struggles of the Mets, the American international had a successful individual year. He batted with a .272 average and had 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. This saw him win the Silver Slugger Award.

Fans react to Pete Alonso leaving New York Mets and joining Baltimore Orioles

Pete Alonso‘s story with the New York Mets came to an official end on Wednesday. The first baseman will now be wearing the colors of the Baltimore Orioles after joining them on a massive $155 million deal.

Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso (Image via Instagram/@mets)

MLB fans on social media were left stunned by this report. Meanwhile, NY Mets fans were left shaking their heads as they lost their home run leader for free. One user wrote, “Disaster of an offseason” while reacting to this development.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

After being selected by the Mets in the 2016 draft, Alonso made his debut for the team on the Opening Day of the 2019 season. He would earn the NL Rookie of the Year Award that year as he finished the season as the NL home run leader with 53 home runs.

In August this year, he broke the record of Darryl Strawberry to become the Mets’ new all-time home run leader following his 253rd home run. He finished his Mets career with 264 home runs in 7 seasons.

NY Mets reportedly made no formal offer to Pete Alonso in the offseason

The New York Mets officially lost one of their top names in Pete Alonso on Wednesday as the first baseman joined the Baltimore Orioles. MLB insider Anthony DiComo later expressed that the team never made any formal offer to the 2-time Home Run Derby Champion.

Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso (Image via MLB)

Last year, the Mets did have a tough time during the negotiations with Alonso. Team owner Steve Cohen admitted that he and the others did not like what was being offered to them.

After several talks, the parties finally agreed on a 2-year, $54 million deal. As per DiComo, the Mets never made an offer to him after it became clear to them that the bidding was going in places in which the club was not interested to engage.

The departure of Alonso comes just a day after the team lost 3x All-Star closer Edwin Diaz. The pitcher, who also opted out of his deal, signed a 3-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Two weeks ago, the team lost another big piece of their lineup as they traded away Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien.

Alonso’s exit has left a huge dent in the Mets’ lineup now. Only time will tell how General Manager David Stearns and the front office fix this problem.

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