Photography courtesy Baltimore Orioles
Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles’ diamond-level addition this offseason brings lofty play and big league experience to lineup
If Pete Alonso’s wish came true, he’d be wearing No. 20 as the Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman. Alonso suited up with that number during his seven-year career with the New York Mets. The issue: that number is retired. It belonged to Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, who led the Orioles to two World Series.
“I thought if they have it available, it’s a great number,” Alonso explains. Instead, the 31-year-old Alonso will wear No. 25 with his new club. The Orioles won’t shy away from likening Alonso to Robinson. Baltimore owner David Rubenstein did just that at Alonso’s introductory press conference. Alonso has clubbed 264 home runs in 1,008 career games, while Robinson had 241 in 1,050 games across seven years.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Alonso signed the second most lucrative deal (5-year, $155 million) in Orioles’ history. (Chris Davis signed the richest—a seven-year, $161 million contract in 1996.) Alonso should give the Orioles’ lineup—also led by Gunnar Henderson and Taylor Ward—a boost since he produced one of his best seasons last year, batting .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs.
We talked to Alonso recently about why he came to Baltimore, the Orioles chances for success, his Mets career, and family.
Photography courtesy Baltimore Orioles
What led you to signing with Baltimore? The talent of the young core here is very promising. Having a new owner had something to do with it. I like the personalities. The vision and blueprint gave me a very detailed outline and plan for what will be happening. I just feel it will be exciting.
You said there is going to be a new Oriole way—a new chapter? What did you mean by that? It’s multi-prong. You have the new data and analytics. It’s a higher level understanding of the game of baseball. But you have a mix of veterans and young talent. It’s a very storied organization when you have the big names from the past like they do. I’m talking about players like Cal Ripken, Jr., Jim Palmer, and Frank Robinson. Doing my research, Cal Ripken, Sr., was an integral part of the organization. Cal, Sr., once said, “This is the way we are going to be doing it. Hard-nosed baseball from top to bottom.” It’s a reimagining of that old-school mentality with young, exciting talent. And you mix in the overall Baltimore philosophy.
You can’t wear No. 20 because Frank Robinson’s number is retired. You went with 25. What are your thoughts there? Good gracious. Frank Robinson is a Hall of Famer and one of the all-time greats. Of course, I am not going to take that number or think I have the opportunity. I chose 25 because it was the year my wife and I had our first child. It was a special year as a family.
How has having a baby changed your life? It has just made it better. Being a dad and husband are my biggest honors. I love my family and being around them. I love their support. For me, it’s really the best and very warming. It’s just been the best.
Orioles’ owner David Rubenstein compared you to Robinson. Do you welcome those comparisons and pressure? I take it as flattery. It’s very high praise for me. Those words are very kind. That just means he believes in me and what I bring to the team. I just want to give everything I possibly can for this team and organization and the City of Baltimore.
Orioles President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Elias said the team has the best lineup in baseball with you in the middle of it. Do you agree? Absolutely. You look at the talent and obviously it has performed well. Overall, if everybody stays healthy for the whole year, then we will have a great chance to be the best offense in baseball. If we can do that, I don’t see why not.
You have hit 37 or more home runs five times, including 40 or more three times. Is Camden Yards a place where you feel you can continue putting up those types of numbers? It has a great backdrop and great visuals. It’s one of the great ballparks to hit in. It’s one of the friendlier hitting environments. I feel if I am making good consistent contact with the baseball, it should complement my game.
Photography courtesy Baltimore Orioles
Why did you decide to change your walkup song played through the stadium when you are coming up to bat? I change my walk-up song every year. I like classic rock. Whatever song works. If I am hitting really well with one, that will stick. If I am not hitting well or balls aren’t falling, and if I don’t feel good about the song, I am apt to change it. Hopefully, I am really consistent, and I find the magic one.
What are the keys to staying healthy? You played 162 games in each of the past two years and not less than 152 in a full season. I think the biggest thing is commitment in the weight room and taking care of my body. I have to get my lifting in and do my conditioning work along with my offseason jumping. When I do all of that, it puts me in a really good spot.
How did you get the nickname “Polar Bear?” Todd Frazier was my teammate in 2019. My locker was next to his in the old spring training complex. As camp goes on, one time I am getting changed and he says, “You just look like a big old polar bear.” Ever since then, the name has stuck. I don’t mind it.
Was it tough leaving the Mets? That’s the only team you had played for. I had a lot of great relationships with the players and staff in New York. But being here in Baltimore is just so special. Being presented with this situation at this time. For me, I feel like this is home. To be wanted and appreciated here in Baltimore the way I have. The warmth I have felt from everybody here from the top down. It just feels right. I feel I am very blessed to be here. It’s such a good opportunity.
What has your interaction with the fans and community been like? It’s been great. Fans have been so receptive and welcoming. My experience has been excellent. (Birdland) Caravan was such a fantastic event. Spring training was exciting. It gets me excited for the year. I am hoping over 162 games and the playoffs, we can give them some amazing memories the fans can carry through the years. They can say, “That 2026 team was really special.”
