The Baltimore Orioles have made two big moves so far this winter, with the trade for Taylor Ward and the signing of Ryan Helsley on a $28 million two-year deal.
With a few needs left on the roster and the Orioles' willingness to spend big this winter, it's no surprise that the Orioles are being linked to some of the top free agents. But, outside of a starting pitcher, their free agent rumors haven't been as strong. That is, until now.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Orioles are one of a few teams interested in New York Mets free agent first baseman Pete Alonso at the MLB Winter Meetings.
Orioles to meet with Pete Alonso at Winter Meetings
"To that end, Pete Alonso will take the 90-minute drive to central Florida on Tuesday, according to sources," Heyman writes, "to meet in person with interested sujitors that include the Red Sox and Orioles."
This is a significant update for the Orioles, as it shows a serious chance to sign the slugger this winter. While the AL East rival Boston Red Sox are another team meeting with Alonso, the Orioles' interest is very noteworthy.
Baltimore doesn't necessarily need to add a first baseman with Ryan Mountcastle under contract, but this report from Heyman is clear interest from the Orioles in the former Mets slugger.
Alonso is 31 years old and coming off a strong 2025 season with the Mets. He hit 38 home runs and had an NL-leading 41 doubles with a.272 batting average and 126 RBIs.
More: Orioles' best trade candidate might be a tough sell after a.653 OPS 2025
His.871 OPS was a huge step-up from his 2024 number of.788, and more in line with his previous elite production during his 20s.
In his Major League career, through seven seasons, he has 264 home runs with 712 RBIs and a career.253 batting average and.857 OPS.
He's not the best defensive first baseman, but offensively, he would be a significant upgrade over Mountcastle. At worst, they could have him slide in as the designated hitter and be a core batter in a revamped lineup in 2026.
But their interest in Alonso is very real, as this meeting at the MLB Winter Meetings indicates that both the Orioles and Alonso are open to a marriage this winter.
More Orioles News:
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- Orioles 'perfect' free agent match is a 3.66 ERA lefty ace from AL West
- Orioles get lackluster grade for $28 million Ryan Helsley signing
- Orioles' next roster move after Ryan Helsley $28 million deal is clear
- Orioles sign former Mets, Cardinals All-Star closer to two-year deal