When the Baltimore Orioles inked a deal with Pete Alonso, it sent ripples through the baseball community. This signing marked a pivotal moment for the Orioles, signaling their re-entry into the competitive world of free agency.
Mike Elias, the team's GM, finally made a splash with a marquee signing, even if the elusive big-name pitcher remains on the wish list. But what drove Baltimore to land Alonso?
Scott Boras, Alonso's agent, shed some light on this during a recent appearance on "The Show" by New York Post Sports.
Boras highlighted Baltimore's confidence in Alonso, a sentiment that wasn't as strong among other teams during the offseason. The Orioles saw something special in Alonso's ability to perform with runners on base, a skill that was crucial for their lineup's needs.
While it's tempting to chalk up Baltimore's interest to Alonso's home run prowess, there's more to the story. Boras pointed out that the Orioles, along with a few other teams, recognized Alonso's knack for delivering clutch hits, especially with runners on base.
His career numbers back this up, boasting an impressive .895 OPS with runners on and an even better .933 with runners in scoring position. These stats made Alonso a perfect fit for a lineup that needed more than just power-it needed reliability.
The Orioles had talent, but outside of Gunnar Henderson, they lacked a consistent offensive cornerstone. Alonso, despite his imperfections, was seen as the ideal partner for Henderson, someone who could consistently produce and elevate the lineup's performance. Baltimore's aggressive pursuit and substantial offer underscored their belief in Alonso's potential impact.
Now, the spotlight is on Alonso to deliver. Early signs in spring training are promising, but the real test lies ahead. While Boras is known for promoting his clients, it's Alonso's performance on the field that will ultimately validate the Orioles' bold move.