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).

Westburg has become an important part of Baltimore’s infield production in recent seasons. When reports surfaced about ligament damage in his elbow, the immediate fear centered on the possibility of Tommy John surgery — a procedure that could have sidelined him for the entire year. Instead, the organization opted for a different path.

According to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said: “Jordan Westburg has a partially torn UCL… He will not get Tommy John surgery. The team is opting for PRP injections. He will be out through April… His timeline after that is TBD.” While the diagnosis is significant, the avoidance of surgery keeps his 2026 campaign alive.

How serious is the elbow injury for Alonso’s teammate?

A partially torn UCL is not a minor issue, particularly for an infielder who relies on arm strength across the diamond. However, PRP treatment offers a recovery path that is less invasive and potentially faster than reconstructive surgery. Avoiding Tommy John dramatically improves Westburg’s long-term outlook.

Still, Baltimore confirmed he will miss at least the month of April, and there is no defined return date beyond that window. The team will evaluate his progress before clearing him for full baseball activities.

What does this mean for the Orioles’ lineup?

Westburg earned All-Star honors in 2024 and remained productive in 2025 despite appearing in only 85 games. He slashed .265/.313/.457 with 17 home runs and a .770 OPS in 352 plate appearances, providing consistent right-handed power and defensive flexibility. His absence leaves an early-season gap that Baltimore must address internally.

One of the offseason acquisitions meant to fill those gaps is Jorge Polanco, brought in to take over at first base. But questions are already swirling around the $40 million infielder, even before the season has begun. Most notably, Polanco has never played a full major league season at first base, coming as former Mets slugger Pete Alonso made it clear how he feels about his move to the Orioles.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently labeled Polanco a potential bust, highlighting both health concerns and positional inexperience. “There’s no doubt that Jorge Polanco was excellent for the Seattle Mariners last season, homering 26 times and posting an .821 OPS for a club that finished within a win of the World Series,” Kelly wrote.

He also added, “The biggest problem, though, with the Mets giving him a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason is that he played in just 302 of a possible 486 games between 2021 and 2023. He’s a major risk from a health sense. Additionally, the Mets are asking him to slide over to first base, a position he’s played only once in his MLB career.”

Mets manager faces challenges with Polanco

Polanco will need to adjust quickly to first base while also maintaining his offensive production. Manager Carlos Mendoza will have to find ways to get him comfortable at a new position while monitoring his at-bats and overall health. There is also the possibility that Polanco’s bat could regress after a strong season in Seattle, adding to the uncertainty.

High stakes for Mets’ offseason move

While the Mets made several moves this offseason to rebuild, the signing of Polanco stands out as one of the riskiest. He will need to prove doubters wrong in 2026 if the Mets hope to compete in the National League East and offset the departures of Alonso and Diaz.

While speculation about his future had been building for months, some Mets fans were frustrated to learn the club never made a formal offer before he left. The situation added another layer to what was already an emotional split between the franchise and one of its most recognizable stars, with the Mets recently catching a two-word shot from Alonso.

In a recent conversation with Newsday’s David Lennon, Alonso addressed the controversy, making it clear he is focused on his new chapter with the Orioles rather than revisiting what could have been in Queens.

“For me, there’s no need to think about the what-ifs and the hypotheticals because I’m so appreciated here,” Alonso said. “To where it’s like I feel so comfortable, so awesome with this group, that I don’t need to look back. I’m beyond happy here, so there’s no reason for me to think anything else other than this organization winning a World Series.”

The slugger, who became the Mets’ all-time home run leader last summer, had openly expressed his desire to remain with the team during the past two seasons. Ultimately, the organization chose a different direction.

Gratitude for Mets tenure

Despite the business side of the breakup, Alonso spoke warmly about his years in New York. “Beyond grateful for the experience,” he said. “But my biggest priority is to win for this team and the city of Baltimore. I’m beyond appreciative for the past — but it’s the past. I need to focus on the present and the future.”

Alonso also shared a message for Mets fans who supported him throughout his time in New York. “It was a part of the journey,” he added. “I’d like to think I made a lot of great memories, and I’ll carry those memories for the rest of my life.”