The Baltimore Orioles are kicking off their spring training with a clash against the New York Yankees, and all eyes were on Pete Alonso as he made his debut for the Orioles. Almost notching his first hit, Alonso was thwarted by a remarkable defensive play from Yankees prospect Kenedy Corona, who made a diving catch in left-center field.
Alonso, now 31, showed solid contact in the bottom of the third inning, but Corona's athleticism turned a potential hit into an out. As the game progressed through five innings, both teams remained scoreless in what has been a classic pitchers' duel. The Orioles have managed four hits, while the Yankees have only one, showcasing some stellar pitching on both sides.
This game marks Alonso's first outing with Baltimore after signing a hefty five-year, $155 million contract. The five-time All-Star is expected to bring his power to first base, adding a significant boost to the Orioles' lineup.
Coming off an impressive 2025 season with the Mets, Alonso posted a .272 average, a .347 OBP, and set a career high with 170 hits, alongside 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. He also led the National League with 41 doubles. His transition to the Orioles is anticipated to be smooth, and he's expected to be a cornerstone for the team's offense.
Pete Alonso smokes a ball into the gap by Yankees prospect Kenedy Corona snags it pic.twitter.com/HkkBY8L1tj
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 20, 2026
The Orioles are aiming for a turnaround in 2026 after finishing last season with a 75-87 record. As spring training unfolds, Alonso will look to find his rhythm and help lead Baltimore into a promising season, starting with their Opening Day matchup against the Minnesota Twins.