The MLB hot stove is heating up fast as clubs around the league trade and negotiate to strengthen their chances at a World Series push in 2026.
Among the most notable moves was Pete Alonso landing with a new team. After seven seasons in the majors with the Mets, he agreed to a five year contract with the Orioles, giving Baltimore one of the most powerful hitters on the market.
Alonso shared a heartfelt goodbye message to the fans in Queens.
He thanked New York, saying the past few years had shaped him in ways that would stay with him forever. He reflected on how the city expects the very best from its players and said he was proud knowing he gave everything he had to earn the honor of wearing the Mets jersey.
He ended on a warm note, expressing that the fans believed in him and helped him grow, signing off as Polar Bear.
Alonso departs New York as the Mets’ all-time home run leader with 264, a record that should stand for a while. Still, with Juan Soto under contract through 2039, it seems likely he’ll make a run at it someday.
Many of Alonso’s long balls came in huge spots, from his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2019 to his clutch three run shot in the ninth inning of the decisive Game 3 of the NL wild card series against the Brewers during the team’s unforgettable 2024 run.
Now Alonso’s next pursuit starts in 2026. He’ll need 431 more homers to match Cal Ripken at the top of Baltimore’s all time leaderboard. Time will tell how close he can get.