From The Banner · Jon Meoli · · 2m
Pete Alonso's MVP season wasted by Orioles collapse
The Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a $155 million deal to elevate their team. Instead, they're squandering one of his best seasons.
In brief
The Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a $155 million deal to elevate their team. Instead, they're squandering one of his best seasons. Pete Alonso is delivering elite production for the Orioles, but the rest of the lineup has failed to support him, putting the team on the brink of missing the playoffs despite his career…
Alonso's 300th home run changes nothing
Pete Alonso hit his career-defining 300th home run Tuesday, tying the game and sparking a win. But unless the Orioles make the playoffs, it's just another moment that could have defined their season.
“his game-tying blast and Coby Mayo's inside-the-park home run in extra innings will be added to the list of moments that could have defined the Orioles' season”
Alonso is putting up elite numbers
Alonso ranks 14th in OPS at .864, 9th in weighted runs created plus at 142, and leads the AL with 102 RBIs. Since May, he's been even better: 5th in wRC+, 4th in home runs with 33.
He signed up to win, not just hit
Alonso was brought in to add power, protect young stars like Gunnar Henderson, and elevate the clubhouse. He's delivered on power and culture, but Henderson and other homegrown players have underperformed again.
“he also came here to win”
Alonso carrying the entire offense alone
The Orioles' young homegrown stars have failed to deliver again. Alonso and whoever plays third base on a given night are left to carry the entire offensive load.
His impact on wins is unmatched
Alonso ranks 5th in win probability added at 3.18, trailing only presumptive MVPs Pete Crow-Armstrong and Yordan Alvarez on the positive side. Gunnar Henderson is at minus 1.04.
He's worth every penny right now
Based on free-agent market value, Alonso's 2026 performance is worth $34.2 million. His salary and signing bonus combined are $31 million. He's delivering more than the Orioles could have asked for.
“Right now, he is worth every penny. Right now, he is giving the Orioles more than they could have asked for.”
The aging curve threat looms
Alonso is in his 30s, and the Orioles always worried his production would decline. But he's made offseason training changes that have improved his contact quality, with no signs of weakening yet.
Nine games to save the season
The Orioles need to play perfect baseball for the next nine games and get significant help to avoid completely wasting Alonso's career year and missing the playoffs.
“they need to play perfect baseball for the next nine games and get a lot of help to not completely waste it”
The short version
Pete Alonso is delivering elite production for the Orioles, but the rest of the lineup has failed to support him, putting the team on the brink of missing the playoffs despite his career year.
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