In what’s been a character-testing, deflating 2026 MLB season, Chisholm Jr. has found himself in the spotlight time and again. It was no different when he revealed his point of view on the polarizing play.

“I was on the other side [of the field]. From my side it looked like it went straight over, but that’s my view, you know? Probably from over there it probably was fouled closer to the line,” Chisholm Jr. admitted to reporters after the Yankees‘ 5-3 win in Baltimore, via YES Network.

Alonso’s thunderous hit that was waived off late in the game made waves all across MLB. Chisholm Jr. wasn’t the only to speak on the subject, as New York manager Aaron Boone sounded off on Alonso’s foul ball, as well. The Yankees’ manager didn’t voice a comment as eyebrow-raising as Chisholm Jr. did, though.

MLB addresses the drama

Shortly after the unsuccessful review determined that the call on the field stood and Alonso was deprived of his 30th home run of the season, MLB’s Replay Center released an official explanation of why the ball was called foul despite some video evidence suggesting otherwise.

“After viewing all relevant angles, the Replay Official could not definitively determine that the ball left the playing field in fair territory. The call stands, and it is a foul ball,” the MLB’s Replay Center’s statement read.

At the very least, there was a case to be made for calling it either fair or foul. In the end, it was Alonso and the Orioles who got the short end of the stick, much to the delight and relief of Chisholm Jr. and the Bronx Bombers.

NY Yankees-Orioles season record

With Wednesday’s win, the Yankees improved to 71-55 on the season while securing another series win over the Orioles (61-66). So far in 2026, New York is 7-2 against Baltimore.

After Thursday’s game, the two sides will meet for their regular-season finale series (Sept. 25-27). The Bronx Bombers can lose every remaining game against the O’s and will still finish with a winning record in the season series.

“We were unsure, and Webby [Yankees replay coordinator Brett Weber] went and looked after the game,” Boone told YES Network. “He wanted to get on the line and see where it landed. And he’s got it foul. Sorry, Pete. I think it was foul.”

That overturn proved to be a massive swing in momentum for New York, who hung on to win 5-3. Had the call stood as a home run, the Orioles would have taken a late lead with the game deadlocked at 3-3.

While the Yankees continue their push to lock up a postseason berth, the coaching staff is also monitoring key roster developments, including Luis Gil’s steady progress in rehab to bolster the starting rotation.

Alonso sounds off on foul-pole replay tech

The overturned call also robbed Alonso of his 30th home run of the campaign, a milestone mark in his debut season with Baltimore following his long, prolific tenure as the premier slugger for the New York Mets. Unsurprisingly, the veteran power hitter didn’t hide his frustration with the lack of definitive camera angles.

“I think a simple fix is like football, you have the pylon camera along the plane,” Alonso told reporters postgame. “It’s crazy that in 2026 we don’t have the technology in place to definitively state whether a ball is fair or foul.”

A tale of two seasons in the AL East standings

As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Yankees and Orioles find themselves in vastly different position in the AL East race. On one hand, the second-place Yankees (71-55) continue to keep pressure on the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays (76-50).

On the other hand, the Orioles sit near the bottom of the division with a 61-66 record. However, Baltimore remains within striking distance of a wild-card spot, and with Alonso swinging a hot bat, the Orioles aren’t ready to give up on their postseason hopes just yet.

“I really enjoy being in those situations, and not to come through for the team there [in the first inning], it really stinks,” Alonso said after the game, according to reporter Luke Jones. “And then making a baserunning error like that in the eighth obviously stinks as well. Yeah, not a good one.”

The veteran slugger finished 1-for-4 in the series opener and was unable to capitalize in key scoring opportunities. Alonso’s baserunning mistake late in the game further compounded a difficult night for an Orioles offense that once again struggled to generate timely production.

Orioles continue searching for offensive consistency

Toronto struck first with a run in the third inning before Baltimore answered in the fourth to tie the game. However, the Blue Jays regained the lead in the eighth inning and held on through the ninth, handing the Orioles another close loss in a season filled with inconsistency.

Despite posting solid power numbers overall this year, Alonso has struggled to maintain offensive rhythm during recent games. The 30-year-old entered the matchup hitting .231 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and a .740 OPS through 216 at-bats during the 2026 campaign.

Baltimore’s lineup has shown flashes throughout the season, but the club continues to search for sustained production against divisional opponents. The Orioles currently sit fourth in the AL East, trailing both Toronto and the New York Yankees in the standings.

Alonso looks to rebound as Orioles continue Blue Jays series

Alonso joined Baltimore this past offseason after spending the first seven years of his MLB career with the New York Mets, bringing veteran power and postseason experience to the Orioles’ lineup. While expectations remain high for the slugger, he acknowledged the need to improve in critical moments moving forward.

The Orioles will attempt to bounce back Friday night in Game 2 of their four-game series against Toronto. With the team continuing to fight to stay within reach in the AL East race, Baltimore will need more consistent production from the middle of its lineup, especially from players like Alonso.

During discussions in 2024, Alonso reportedly made a pointed remark to Stearns while negotiating his future with the organization. According to New York Post insider Jon Heyman, Alonso said: “When my career is being evaluated for the Hall of Fame years from now, you’ll still be fiddling with your [flipping] formulas.” The comment has resurfaced as the Mets continue to struggle in 2026 under their current front office direction.

Alonso eventually signed a short-term extension after those negotiations before later departing in free agency. He is now playing for the Baltimore Orioles, while the Mets have moved forward with a reshaped roster that includes several new additions but has yet to translate into consistent results on the field.

Alonso’s Mets tenure remains a talking point as pressure grows

Although Alonso’s time in New York included several standout offensive seasons, his departure continues to be discussed in the context of the Mets’ current struggles. The team’s inconsistent performance has only intensified scrutiny on Stearns and the organization’s long-term roster decisions.

Despite the resurfaced comments, Alonso has previously avoided showing bitterness toward the Mets. In past interviews, he emphasized positive memories from his time in New York and the relationships he built within the clubhouse.

“I can’t look back and be disgruntled,” Alonso said to the New York Post. “I have some of the best memories wearing that uniform, being in the locker room with those guys.”

Alonso continues season with Orioles as Mets search for answers

Now with Baltimore, Alonso is trying to find consistency in his first season with the Orioles. Through the early portion of 2026, he is batting .225 with seven home runs, 21 RBIs, 10 doubles, and a .773 OPS.

He has shown flashes of impact, including a recent three-run homer against the Miami Marlins, but also experienced defensive miscues that contributed to a late-game loss in another outing.

Meanwhile, the Mets remain in search of stability as they attempt to climb out of a difficult start to the season. With Alonso scheduled to return to Citi Field later this year when the Orioles visit, the storyline surrounding his departure and past comments is expected to draw renewed attention from fans.

According to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post, Alonso believes that a high level of talent eventually prevails, “I know they’re not playing well, but you look at 2024 — it was doom and gloom until it wasn’t. Then it was like we shocked the world. Everybody was like, ‘Well, we knew we were going to play better. We were too talented not to.’ It’s baseball. Crazy things happen.”.

Now wearing a different uniform in Baltimore, the power-hitting first baseman described his move to the Orioles as an “easy decision” for his MLB career. He highlighted that the values of the Baltimore organization align perfectly with his own values as a player, making the transition to his new American League home a seamless one.

Is Pete Alonso’s form in Baltimore what the Mets are missing?

Alonso has maintained his reputation as one of the league’s premier power threats since arriving in Baltimore, providing 4 home runs and 13 RBI this season so far. His ability to drive in runs and clear the fences has helped keep his new club near the top of the AL East standings with 15-16.

The current situation for the Mets suggests they could certainly use a bat with Alonso’s pedigree to help spark an offense that has struggled with consistency throughout the first month. Losing a player capable of hitting 40 home runs a year leaves a massive hole in any lineup, especially for a team currently trying to fight its way out of the bottom of the NL East.

While the Mets wait for their “shock the world” moment to arrive, Alonso is proving that his production remains elite regardless of the city he calls home. If the Queens residents continue to struggle with run production, the decision to let such a consistent power source depart will likely remain a major talking point for fans and analysts alike through 2026.

“I mean, for me, it’s frustrating. I’m sure it is for everybody else,” Alonso admitted, according to Orioles on MASN. “I wish I could have been better, not just tonight, but many nights before… I expect more out of myself, and I know other people do as well, so it’s frustrating.”

Through his first 13 games in Baltimore, Alonso is batting just .176 with one home run and three RBIs, alongside 17 strikeouts. For a player known for his power and consistency, the early slump has not only impacted the lineup but also intensified scrutiny as the Orioles look to stay competitive.

Alonso acknowledges mechanical and approach issues at the plate

Alonso did not shy away from identifying the root of his struggles, pointing directly to his approach and execution. Following a 6-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants, the veteran emphasized the need for better discipline and consistency in the strike zone.

“I need to execute better,” Alonso said. “I need to be more consistent, I need to do a better job of controlling the strike zone… when they come in the strike zone, I need to do a better job of putting it hard in play.”

His candid self-assessment reflects a player aware of both the technical adjustments required and the expectations that come with his role. Despite the slow start, Alonso maintained confidence that improvement is inevitable.

Orioles remain patient as season still in early stages

While the numbers have been underwhelming, the Orioles understand the season is still in its infancy. Alonso’s track record suggests that a turnaround is likely, especially as he continues refining his timing and pitch recognition. “But for me, this is not my standard. Results-wise, it’s unacceptable for me, and I will be better. I know that. But yeah, it’s not fun,” Alonso added.

With the series against San Francisco continuing, Baltimore will be counting on Alonso to rediscover his form and anchor the offense as the schedule progresses. For now, the focus remains on adjustments, patience, and trusting that the production will follow.

The new star of the Baltimore Orioles is one of the notable absences from the WBC, although he curiously revealed that he could have faced his own country. How was that possible? In recent remarks, he said that Italy national baseball team tried to bring him onto their roster.

Not long ago, Alonso became a father with his partner, a specific and sufficient reason for him to decline any kind of call-up. “The WBC is sick, but this wasn’t the year to do it. The personal circumstance just didn’t line up.”

The five-time All-Star and former star of the New York Mets made it clear that his focus is solely on his personal matters, as well as on this new chapter with his new team in Major League Baseball.

Hope remains intact in Baltimore

The Baltimore Orioles have completely revitalized their clubhouse and fan base by signing Pete Alonso to a landmark five-year, $155 million contract. Known as “The Polar Bear,” Alonso arrives as the “adult in the room” that Baltimore lacked during a disappointing 2025 season, and he has already made an impact in Spring Training by homering in his debut and taking a leadership role with the young core.

He joins the Orioles following a stellar 2025 campaign where he played all 162 games, posting a .272 batting average with 38 home runs and a career-high 126 RBIs. By adding a veteran who has smashed at least 34 homers in each of his last five full seasons, the Orioles have solidified the middle of their lineup as they aim to climb out of the AL East cellar and return to postseason contention.

“Instead of the usual 75% of new faces, it’s 100% here. It’s refreshing, you know? For me, it’s been wonderful. Being here in Sarasota is not far from home, and I grew up playing travel ball at the Cal Ripken complex right across the field. So it’s very nostalgic coming to work every morning,” Alonso told MLB Network Radio.

Given Alonso’s enthusiasm for joining the Orioles, the fanbase holds high expectations for his performance this upcoming season. He arrives in Baltimore as the Mets‘ all-time leader in home runs, and fans expect him to deliver similar results for his new team.

Although former teammates like Juan Soto have shared heartfelt messages about Alonso’s departure, Alonso appears content in Baltimore, and fans are optimistic about his contributions.

Alonso makes an impact with Orioles

Displaying impressive form during spring training, Alonso has proven why Baltimore holds high expectations for him this MLB season. His performance over eight games has already made a significant impression.

Here are his spring training statistics to date:

• Games Played: 8
• At-Bats: 22
• Hits: 8
• Home Runs: 3
• RBI: 7
• Batting Average: .364
• OPS: 1.273

Orioles’ projected Opening Day lineup featuring Alonso

With his standout performances during spring training, manager Brandon Hyde is set to include Alonso as a key player in the Orioles’ projected lineup for Opening Day against World Series frontrunners, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Here is the projected Opening Day lineup:

1. Gunnar Henderson SS
2. Adley Rutschman C
3. Pete Alonso 1B
4. Anthony Santander RF
5. Jordan Westburg 2B
6. Heston Kjerstad LF
7. Jackson Holliday 3B
8. Colton Cowser CF
9. Coby Mayo DH

Beyond the stars, there is a keen interest in observing minor league players as potential MLB prospects for the regular season. In this regard, Vance Honeycutt has garnered attention with his exceptional 3-for-3 performance in spring training.

Though Honeycutt shares his spring training home run tally with four other players, he’s distinguished himself by hitting three home runs in three at-bats. This feat eclipses the efforts of Alonso and Judge, who, despite having more at-bats, have only managed two homers.

The emergence of a young prospect making waves in his first minor league season is always notable. For Honeycutt, his moment to shine had to wait until this year, despite being a first-round pick in 2024 by the Orioles.

Honeycutt’s thoughts on his landmark performance

Per MLB.com, Honeycutt stands tied at the top with players like the Yankees’ Spencer Jones and the Red Sox’s Jarren Duran. However, the Orioles’ prospect is singular in boasting a perfect spring training outing.

He shared his insights with MLB.com, saying, “Last year was tough, and it’s a new year, new me. I’m excited about it,” he expressed. “I’m just trying to be early, work in the middle of the field, and honestly, just put a good swing on a pitch I want to hit. That’s probably the main thing, and just continue to do that over and over again.”

Other players homering thrice in spring training

Currently, three home runs serve as the pinnacle of spring training stats. Alongside Honeycutt, Jones, and Duran, several other players have matched this feat, albeit with more at-bats:

• Charlie Condon – Rockies: 3 HR in 14 AB
• Jarren Duran – Red Sox: 3 HR in 12 AB
• Big Gamel – Braves: 3 HR in 11 AB
• Connor Griffin – Pirates: 3 HR in 14 AB
• Vince Honeycutt – Orioles: 3 HR in 3 AB
• Spencer Jones – Yankees: 3 HR in 10 AB
• TJ Rumifield – Rockies: 3 HR in 14 AB
• Mike Yastrzemski – Braves: 3 HR in 10 AB

Fans had hoped Soto and Alonso would play together for years. The Mets tried to fill the gap by signing hitters like Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco but replacing Alonso’s leadership and performance is not easy.

During MLB Network’s “30 Clubs, 30 Camps” segment on February 25, Soto shared his thoughts. “You know, Pete was great for the team. He was great in the clubhouse, and outside of the clubhouse, he was a great leader,” Soto said.

He also added, “But you’ve got to move on. We are all equal here. Everyone has a voice, everyone feels good and comfortable. Just have fun, bring good energy, and everything will go the right way.”

What this means for the Mets in 2026

The performance of Bichette, Polanco, and other offseason signings will be key to replacing Alonso’s impact. A strong start in 2026 will help the Mets, their fans, and Soto move forward while building chemistry around the new lineup.

“I was really shocked that Pete would leave New York for Baltimore,” Strawberry told the New York Post. “Pete could have broken all the records and could have been on top of every offensive category for this organization, and then sometimes when you don’t see that and realize how important that is.”

Strawberry even issued a warning to Alonso, who is now enjoying a lucrative $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. “One day he is going to wake up just like I did and regret you didn’t stick where you are at,” said the veteran, who also played for the Mets from 1983 to 1990.

How many records did Pete Alonso hold with the Mets?

According to Baseball Reference, Alonso held multiple records with the New York Mets. One of the most significant is his 264 career home runs, which made him the franchise’s all-time leader in that category, a mark that will likely be difficult to match over the next decade.

In 2022, Alonso set the single-season franchise record with 131 RBIs. Back in 2019, he also established the Mets’ single-season home run record with 53 long balls. Additionally, Alonso is the only Mets player in the 21st century to appear in all 162 games in a single season.

As for career marks in Queens, Alonso cracked three major franchise categories despite the long list of records held by David Wright and Strawberry. In addition to becoming the club’s all-time home run leader, Alonso also set franchise marks for most times hit by pitch (100) and best at-bats per home run ratio (14.3).