In one of the most shocking and unprecedented moves in Major League Baseball history, superstar slugger Pete Alonso has signed a jaw-dropping 14-year, \$700.67 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.*
A Deal No One Saw Coming
The baseball world was left stunned today as news broke of Pete Alonso’s mega-deal with the Baltimore Orioles — a franchise that, while on the rise, wasn’t among the rumored suitors for the former Mets first baseman. Even more shocking than the destination was the size and length of the contract: **14 years, \$700.67 million**, making it **the largest contract in North American sports history**, surpassing even Shohei Ohtani’s landmark deal with the Dodgers in 2023. Sources close to the negotiation revealed that the Orioles’ front office had been working on this blockbuster behind closed doors for weeks, using utmost secrecy to outmaneuver better-known big-market contenders. Alonso’s New Era in Baltimore Alonso, 30, spent his entire career with the New York Mets since debuting in 2019, where he quickly became a fan favorite and one of the league’s premier power hitters. Over six full seasons, he crushed 292 home runs and earned three All-Star selections. Many expected Alonso to either re-sign with the Mets or perhaps head to a West Coast team in a bigger media market. Baltimore, though, made the boldest and most lucrative pitch. In a statement, Alonso said: This wasn’t an easy decision. New York will always have a special place in my heart. But the vision the Orioles presented a commitment to winning, a clubhouse full of young talent, and a passionate fan base ready to explode it felt right. I want to build something legendary here. The Orioles have been a team on the rise over the last few seasons, thanks to one of the deepest farm systems in baseball and breakout performances from young stars like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday. The addition of Alonso is a clear signal: Baltimore is no longer content to develop talent they intend to dominate. Orioles GM Mike Elias commented on the signing:
Pete is more than a power bat. He’s a leader, a workhorse, and a player who thrives in big moments. We believe this move not only makes us immediate contenders, but it sets a tone: Baltimore is back.”Contract Breakdown Total Value: \$700.67 million
Length: 14 years
Average Annual Value (AAV): \$50.05 million
No-trade clause: Full
Opt-outs**: After Year 6 and Year 10
Incentives**: Up to \$15 million in performance bonuses
This deal shatters the previous record for largest total value in a contract, and Alonso’s AAV now sits just above Ohtani’s adjusted earnings with the Dodgers, although Shohei’s deal includes deferred payments. Alonso’s contract includes full no-trade protection and makes him a fixture in Baltimore through at least the 2039 season.
Reaction Across MLB
The baseball community has reacted with a mix of disbelief and admiration. Social media erupted with hot takes, with many praising the Orioles’ boldness while others questioned the long-term wisdom of such a deal.
Former Mets teammate Francisco Lindor posted:
Gonna miss you, brother. Go be great in Baltimore. Wow.”Yankees ace Gerrit Cole joked on Instagram So we’re pitching to *this* guy in our division for the next decade?? Great.”
What This Means for the AL East
The American League East, already one of baseball’s toughest divisions, just got even more dangerous. With the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rays constantly in the playoff mix, Alonso’s arrival could give the Orioles the firepower they’ve been missing to not just compete — but win big.
Final Thoughts Baseball fans will be talking about this deal for years to come. It’s a statement from Alonso, who’s embracing a new challenge, and from the Orioles, who are ready to transform from scrappy underdogs to World Series favorites. Whether it pays off in trophies remains to be seen, but one thing is certain:
Baltimore just became the most compelling show in baseball.
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