For New York Mets fans still feeling the sting of Pete Alonso's move to the Baltimore Orioles, spring training has been a bit of a downer.
Alonso wasted no time making an impact, smashing a home run against the Yankees in his first spring training game with the Orioles. He’s already added another homer to his tally since then.
Beyond the stats, Alonso is embracing his role as a key teammate for the Orioles, and it's catching everyone's attention. Mets fans, brace yourselves!
Pete Alonso is shining bright for the Orioles in spring training
Alonso has been front and center during every Orioles at-bat, cheering on teammates and engaging with umpires. His energy is palpable and might be just what the Orioles needed.
Orioles writer Alex Fast highlighted Alonso's enthusiastic presence in the dugout, suggesting that his energy could be a game-changer for Baltimore.
While Fast's observation might be a bit early, especially in February, it contrasts nicely with Darryl Strawberry's recent comments. Strawberry claimed Alonso would "regret" leaving the Mets, arguing New York holds a special allure and that Alonso could have set more records there.
Yet, it’s worth noting that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns didn’t seem eager to keep Alonso. The signs suggest the Mets were ready for a fresh start without him.
Sometimes, a change of scenery benefits everyone involved. The Mets might thrive in 2026 without Alonso, and he could find happiness and productivity with the Orioles.
Alonso's positive influence in the clubhouse was notable during his time with the Mets, and it’s already making waves in Baltimore. His energy, often referred to as "Polar Bear" energy, was a consistent positive force in New York, even if he occasionally hinted at dissatisfaction with the Mets' front office.
Given the Mets' recent clubhouse challenges, it’s crucial to recognize Alonso's positive impact. He was, and continues to be, a catalyst for a strong team culture. Mets fans might miss that aspect of Alonso more than anything else.
The Mets have their own new players bringing fresh energy in 2026. It’s a new chapter in Queens, and while Alonso's contributions won’t be forgotten, his time with the Mets remains untarnished.