So, it actually happened. The "Polar Bear" is gone. If you had told a Mets fan back in 2019 that Pete Alonso—the guy who broke the rookie home run record and basically became the heartbeat of Queens—would be wearing a Baltimore Orioles jersey by 2026, they would’ve probably laughed in your face. Or maybe just stared at you in that specific brand of Mets-induced despair.
But here we are. In December 2025, Pete Alonso officially signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
It’s weird, right? For years, the conversation was always about when Steve Cohen would back up the Brink's truck, not if. We all thought the Mets could bring back Pete Alonso because, honestly, why wouldn't they? He was the franchise home run leader. He was the guy who actually wanted to be there. Yet, the front office, led by David Stearns, took a cold, hard look at the spreadsheets and decided to head in a different direction.
The 2025 Season: A Final Act in Orange and Blue
Last year was... a lot. The Mets finished 83-79, which is basically the baseball version of a shrug. They missed the playoffs on the very last day of the season against the Marlins—a classic Mets move if there ever was one.
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Alonso, though? He actually showed up. While the team was sputtering, Pete was busy raking. He hit .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. He even led the National League with 41 doubles. It was the ultimate "contract year" performance, proving that his somewhat down 2024 was just a blip.
When the season ended in Miami, Pete didn't hide anything. He told reporters right there in the visitor’s clubhouse that he was opting out of the $24 million he had left on the table for 2026. He talked about how much he loved the city and the fans, but he also said something that should’ve been a warning sign: "Nothing is guaranteed."
Why the Reunion Didn't Happen
Most of us assumed the Mets were just playing hardball. But the reality is that David Stearns is building a different kind of team. Stearns has this "Milwaukee-plus" philosophy—he values defensive flexibility and athleticism over raw, one-dimensional power.
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- The Defense Factor: Pete led all first basemen with 10 errors in 2025. For a team obsessed with run prevention, that's a tough pill to swallow.
- The "Age 30" Wall: Alonso is 31 now. Giving a seven-year deal (which Scott Boras was reportedly hunting for) to a primary first baseman who might be a full-time DH by year three is a massive risk.
- The Clubhouse Shakeup: This offseason wasn't just about Pete. The Mets also let Edwin Diaz walk and traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. It was a total "reset" of the culture.
Honestly, it feels like the front office wanted to move away from the "all-or-nothing" style of play that has defined the team for the last few seasons. By letting Alonso go, they freed up massive amounts of payroll, but they also left a 40-home-run-sized hole in the middle of the lineup.
Could the Mets have matched the Orioles' offer?
Easily. Steve Cohen has more money than some small countries. The $31 million average annual value (AAV) that Baltimore gave Pete is a lot, but it’s not "break the bank" money for the Mets.
The sticking point wasn't the cash; it was the philosophy. The Orioles see Pete as the missing piece for a young, hungry roster that needs a veteran presence and a legitimate power threat to protect guys like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. For the Mets, Pete was part of the "old" core that hadn't quite reached the summit.
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What happens to the Mets now?
If you're looking for a silver lining, it's that the Mets are extremely flexible. By letting the "old guard" move on, they’ve paved the way for a roster built around Francisco Lindor and—hopefully—some high-upside younger talent.
To replace Pete’s production, they signed Jorge Polanco and traded for Marcus Semien. It's a "death by a thousand cuts" approach rather than one giant Polar Bear swing. Is it better? We won't know until June. But it is definitely different.
Actionable Takeaways for Mets Fans
- Stop waiting for the "big" splash: The era of just outspending everyone for the sake of it seems to be over. Stearns is focused on the "profile" of the player, not just the name.
- Watch the DH spot: Without Pete, the Mets will likely rotate players through the DH role rather than having one locked-in guy. This means more playing time for younger bats who need to prove they belong.
- Appreciate the history: Pete finished his Mets career with 264 home runs. He’s the best power hitter the franchise has ever seen. You can be mad he's gone, but don't let it sour what he did while he was here.
The Mets could have brought back Pete Alonso. They had the money, and they had the history. But in the end, they chose a clean slate. It's a gamble that will define the David Stearns era in New York—for better or worse.