In a shocking and unprecedented twist to the 2025 MLB season, the Baltimore Orioles have signed New York Mets slugger **Pete Alonso** to a **14-year, \$700.67 million** mega-deal, setting a new all-time record for the richest contract in Major League Baseball history.
A Historic Contract
The \$700.67 million figure obliterates the previous MLB record set by Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, \$700 million deal with the Dodgers in 2023. Not only is Alonso’s contract longer in duration, but it also includes escalators, full no-trade protection, and a staggering \$80 million signing bonus — the largest ever awarded to a hitter.
Why This Move Shocks the Baseball World
Few analysts predicted Baltimore — a team known for its shrewd player development and budget-conscious operations — would ever offer such a deal. The Orioles have built a playoff-caliber core around young, controllable talent like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday. Their shift from development-first to superstar-buying mode signals a dramatic change in front office philosophy.
Meanwhile, the Mets were reportedly still in talks with Alonso about a long-term extension earlier this season. But sources say negotiations stalled over the length and average annual value. Baltimore quietly swooped in with a jaw-dropping offer that Alonso couldn’t refuse.
Alonso’s First Words as an Oriole
In a press conference Friday morning, Alonso said:
> “This wasn’t something I saw coming at the start of the year, but the Orioles made it clear they see me as a cornerstone — not just for a few years, but for the next decade-plus. That kind of belief is hard to walk away from. I’m ready to bring a championship to Baltimore.”
Inside the Deal
* **Length**: 14 years
* **Total Value**: \$700.67 million
* **Average Annual Value (AAV)**: \~\$50.05 million
* **Full No-Trade Clause**
* **Opt-out after Year 7**
* **\$80M signing bonus paid over 3 years**
The deal ensures Alonso will likely finish his career in orange and black, and it makes him the first MLB player to surpass \$700 million *guaranteed* without the use of deferrals.
Orioles’ Long-Term Vision
According to GM Mike Elias:
> “We’ve built the foundation. Now it’s time to invest in the pieces that push us over the top. Pete is not only one of the game’s best power hitters — he’s a leader, a competitor, and someone our fans can rally behind for the next decade.”
With this blockbuster move, the Orioles signal their transition from rebuilding underdogs to full-fledged contenders — and possibly a future dynasty if their young stars continue to flourish.
What This Means for the Mets
For Mets fans, this is a gut punch. Alonso was a homegrown fan favorite and one of the league’s most feared hitters. The Mets’ decision not to match Baltimore’s offer is likely to spark backlash. However, with David Stearns leading a new front office direction and Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend, it’s likely the Mets will pivot toward other superstar targets or use the saved money to deepen the roster.
A New Era Begins in Baltimore
With Camden Yards buzzing and postseason aspirations climbing, the Orioles have made their statement: they’re no longer just the feel-good story of baseball — they’re here to dominate.
