Breaking: I can confirm the Baltimore Orioles have reached agreement with slugger Pete Alonso on a five year, 155 million dollar contract, pending a physical. In the same breath, Baltimore learned it will pick seventh overall in the 2026 MLB Draft. The message is clear. The rebuild is over. The Orioles are pushing to win now.
Alonso changes everything, right away
Alonso gives Baltimore a middle order hammer, and it changes how pitchers attack this lineup. He hit .272 with 38 homers and 126 RBIs in 2025. He is a five time All Star and a former Rookie of the Year. He is also durable, and he plays with an edge that fits this city.
Pair Alonso with Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, and you get balance and length. Henderson’s patience, Rutschman’s switch hit skill, and Holliday’s bat speed set the table. Alonso brings the knockout swing. The late innings get shorter when opponents know the middle is this dangerous.
Where he fits in the order
Expect Alonso to hit third or fourth most nights. He drives in runs, but he also draws walks. He can hit to all fields, which matters at Camden Yards. The deeper left field can punish right handed pull power. Alonso adjusts, and his top end exit velocity travels in any park.
- A likely 2 through 6 could look like: Henderson, Rutschman, Alonso, Holliday, Ward
Baltimore’s off field additions matter here too. Taylor Ward adds on base skill and contact. That keeps traffic in front of Alonso. One mistake, one swing, and the scoreboard changes.
Alonso in 2025, .272 average, 38 homers, 126 RBIs, his best OPS since his rookie year.
The roster and the money
This is one of the biggest financial commitments in club history, and it signals a shift. For years, the Orioles stayed lean while building from the farm. This contract tilts the balance toward wins today, while keeping the core intact. The term is five seasons, a window that lines up with Henderson, Rutschman, and Holliday in their prime years.
The front office has backed that stance with bullpen teeth. Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge bring swing and miss at the back end. That shortens games, and it supports a lineup that should hand them leads. The hire of Craig Albernaz as manager sets a tone of urgency and detail. The mix is younger energy, paired with veteran edge.
Payroll will rise, but the Orioles kept flexibility. Alonso is a bat you buy when you believe your kids are ready to win. Baltimore clearly does.
The deal is contingent on a routine physical. Once completed, the club will announce the signing.
The seventh pick, immediate window meets long view
Landing the seventh overall pick gives Baltimore another premium swing at the draft. The Orioles did not jump into the top six, but seventh still lives in blue chip range. This front office has hit on picks, and has developed well. That pipeline does not stop because the big league club is ready to win.
Expect a best player on the board approach, with an eye on impact bats and athletic arms. The No. 7 slot has produced stars in past drafts. With Alonso in orange and black, the club can be patient with whoever they choose. That is how you sustain a window, you stack classes and keep options open.
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From rebuild to contender, the push is on
There is a different feel to this offseason. Alonso is the statement piece, but the edges of the roster are sharper too. Helsley and Kittredge change the bullpen math. Ward deepens the outfield. The next box to check is rotation quality, and the Orioles know it. They do not need to chase ten names. They need the right one or two.
This is also about culture. Alonso plays hard, he shows up every day, and he loves the big moment. That matters in August, and it matters in October. Baltimore has a young, homegrown core that plays with joy. Add a veteran slugger who thrives in pressure, and you get a clubhouse that believes. You can feel it. ⚾
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Alonso deal become official?
A: After he completes and passes his physical. The club will then announce the contract.
Q: Where will Alonso play defensively?
A: First base as the primary spot. He can also serve as designated hitter as needed.
Q: How does this affect the Orioles payroll?
A: It is a major commitment, and it fits a win now plan. The team still has room to add.
Q: What does the seventh pick mean for 2026?
A: Another high end prospect joins a strong system. It supports a long term competitive window.
Q: Are more moves coming?
A: The focus now shifts to starting pitching depth. The Orioles have positioned themselves to act.
The Orioles just changed their timeline. Pete Alonso is on his way, the seventh pick is in their pocket, and the path forward is clear. The rebuild built the base. Today’s moves build the contender.
