The Orioles made their biggest splash of the offseason, and the ripple effects are still being felt across the league. Pete Alonso is officially in Baltimore, and while the numbers and accolades speak for themselves, what’s becoming clear is that this move isn’t just about stats-it’s about culture, identity, and sending a message: the Orioles are done waiting.
Let’s unpack what this means for Baltimore, both on and off the field.
Alonso’s Fit: More Than Just a Power Bat
Pete Alonso did his homework before signing on. He’s played 10 games at Camden Yards as a visitor-plenty of time to get a feel for the place-and he made the most of it with three doubles, five homers, and 11 RBIs. But this wasn’t just about ballpark dimensions, even with the left-field fence having been moved back (though not all the way to its original spot).
Alonso made it clear: he sees the ball well in Baltimore. The batter’s eye works for him, and his natural approach-driving the ball to the big part of the field-means he’s not overly concerned with how far the fence is in left. The key zones for him are left-center and right-center, and those dimensions stayed intact.
But what really sold him? The Orioles’ vision.
Alonso talked about the organization’s plan, the way they presented a clear blueprint for his role in the lineup and the long-term future. He used words like “culture,” “core,” and “blueprint.”
That’s not just talk. That’s a player buying into something bigger than himself.
Albernaz’s First Impression? Nailed It.
Manager Craig Albernaz played a central role in recruiting Alonso during the Winter Meetings, and by all accounts, he crushed it.
Alonso praised the way Albernaz laid out his managerial style and baseball philosophy-drawing from his time in San Francisco and Cleveland-and how he approaches the game. It wasn’t just a sales pitch. It was a conversation that stuck with Alonso, one that continued beyond the meeting room with follow-up texts and genuine enthusiasm.
“You only get one shot at a first impression,” Alonso said, and Albernaz made it count.
That sentiment was echoed by Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, who noted that Albernaz managed to make the idea of playing in Baltimore feel real-and compelling-in just one hour. That’s not easy to do. Boras even pulled GM Mike Elias aside afterward and said, “Something happened here.”
What happened was a turning point. Alonso signed. And it wasn’t just about the money or the lineup-it was about belief.
Durability Matters. Alonso Brings It.
The Orioles aren’t promising 162 games for Alonso, but they love that he’s done it-and clearly wants to keep doing it. That’s a huge part of his appeal. In an era of load management and cautious timelines, Alonso is a throwback: a big bat who posts.
And that matters in Baltimore.
The Orioles used a franchise-record 70 players in 2025. Thirty-four different position players saw game action.
They racked up 1,804 player games on the injured list-the fourth-most in MLB. Simply put, they need guys who stay on the field.
Taylor Ward, another offseason pickup, has logged 156 and 157 games in the past two seasons. That kind of availability is no accident. It’s a trend-and it’s one the Orioles are clearly targeting.
Albernaz put it best: “The players play.” And that’s what Alonso does.
Every day. That’s part of what makes him such a valuable addition-not just the production, but the consistency.
Building a Culture That Wins
Alonso’s arrival is a statement. But it’s not the only one.
The Orioles also brought in Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, and Andrew Kittredge. Helsley, in particular, is a crucial piece with Félix Bautista recovering from shoulder surgery. These are impact moves-designed not just to improve the roster, but to build trust with a fan base that’s heard the “we’re in on him” line too many times before.
Now, they’re closing.
But let’s be clear: if this team is going to take the next step, it won’t be on Alonso’s shoulders alone. The core has to rise.
That means Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, and Jordan Westburg. All four were top-30 draft picks.
Only Holliday avoided the injured list in 2025. That has to change.
Elias called that group “the backbone of the team.” And he’s right.
If they regress or stall out, it doesn’t matter who you sign. But if they take the leap-if they stay healthy and produce-this team becomes a legitimate World Series contender.
The Big Picture: A Real Shot at the AL East
Elias didn’t hold back: “I think when we hit Pete in the middle of the lineup that we have, we have arguably the best batting lineup in Major League Baseball right now.”
That’s a bold claim. But it’s not unfounded.
Adding a player like Alonso-both in talent and presence-sends a message to the rest of the league, and to players around the league: Baltimore is serious. They’re not just collecting prospects anymore. They’re building a contender.
And in the American League East, where every team is making moves, you can’t afford to stand still. The Orioles aren’t.
They’ve secured a five-time All-Star in his prime. They’ve added veteran arms.
They’ve reinforced their lineup with players who show up every day.
Now, it’s about putting it all together.
The Orioles haven’t won a World Series since 1983. Moves like this don’t guarantee a title-but they do give you a real shot. And for a franchise that’s spent years waiting for its moment, that’s everything.