For the Baltimore Orioles, the number 20 (even from the rival league) isn’t just a number – it’s a legacy. And now, Pete Alonso wears the weight of that legacy, and a $155 million contract, on his back.

The Orioles’ president, David Rubenstein, compared Pete Alonso to club legend Frank Robinson.

“Frank Robinson’s number when he played in Cincinnati was 20. Pete Alonso’s number in New York was 20,” said President Rubenstein. “Both of them 30 (years old), both of them great power hitters… We’re very optimistic Pete’s addition is going to be as helpful to us as Frank Robinson’s in 1966.”

Pete Alonso agreed to a five-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, earning an average annual value of $31 million. This deal already creates expectations for Alonso to deliver consistently powerful performance. Comparisons to Frank Robinson intensify that pressure, recalling Robinson’s historic Triple Crown and World Series MVP in 1966. Robinson’s Orioles won three consecutive AL pennants from 1969-1971, cementing his role as a franchise-defining player.

While Alonso and Robinson display very different playing styles, they share power-hitting ability and leadership skills. Robinson hit 49 homers in 1966 and influenced the Orioles’ clubhouse culture with his presence. If Alonso achieves even a fraction of that impact, he could become another Baltimore franchise legend. Guess another interesting fact in this whole scenario!

Both the Reds and the Mets are National League teams – can this be a pattern?

Whatever it is, one popular/unpopular opinion would be that the Mets ghosted the Polar Bear. And finally, the man himself has spoken.

“Every offseason, it’s interesting because as you step into free agency, it’s, ‘All right, let’s see what happens.’ Last year, I felt like, it was still a great situation. But this year, ultimately, this has just been such a tremendous process.”

“The way that it happened, it was perfect. It was absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change anything for the world. I can’t express enough gratitude and appreciation for how this has been and want to hit the fast-forward button for when spring training begins in February. This season is going to be great. Not just this one but for as long as I’m here,” Alonso sounded nothing but thrilled.

Pete Alonso spent seven seasons with the New York Mets but left after returning to free agency. His exit followed a short-term, $54 million deal with an opt-out, highlighting New York’s lack of commitment.

The Mets’ decision not to extend Alonso a long-term contract caused frustration among fans, especially after he led the franchise in home runs with 264 and recorded 712 RBIs. Alonso’s farewell included emotional messages from his wife and a personal note thanking New York fans.

Meanwhile, his success in black-and-orange would combine his statistical production with fostering confidence among teammates, continuing a tradition established sixty years ago.

And for Queens? They are now facing the familiar thrill of scrambling for someone who can mash like Alonso without actually being Alonso.

Some players the Mets can replace Pete Alonso with

Pete Alonso hit 38 home runs with 126 RBIs in 2025 for New York. Now, replacing that production has become critical.

Among the remaining options is Munetaka Murakami, a powerful hitter from Japan with posting rights to MLB. He has hit 246 home runs over eight NPB seasons with a .394 on‑base rate. Another available bat is Ryan O’Hearn, who posted career highs with 17 homers and 63 RBIs in 2025. The Mets could also consider Kazuma Okamoto from Japan to bolster the offense.

However, none of these alternatives match Alonso’s seven‑season run of power production.

But with the money the Mets have “saved” through the Alonso deal, they might be able to get more than one player to fill up the gap left by Alonso.

Queens fans will watch closely as Murakami, O’Hearn, or Okamoto attempt to fill glaring offensive holes. Ultimately, replacing Pete Alonso is not about spending wisely but accepting the circus the front office created.