Former New York Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso made his return to Citi Field with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday and received an incredibly warm welcome. Prior to first pitch, Alonso had a conversation with Mets owner Steve Cohen, during which Cohen passed on a heartfelt message to the All-Star. "This is your home," Cohen said.
"Appreciate you, Pete." It's not only Cohen who feels that way, either. Fans across the stadium roared when the Mets' PA announcer called Alonso's name during the pregame lineup introductions, and chants of Alonso's name broke out shortly after. Alonso spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the Mets, etching his name into the team's history throughout his time in Queens.
Alonso broke onto the scene in the 2019 season, leading all of MLB with 53 homers — an MLB rookie record — and 120 RBIs, cruising to a National League Rookie of the Year award. During his time with the Mets, Alonso hit 264 homers while tallying 712 RBIs and made five All-Star appearances, also bringing in a singular Silver Slugger award after his 38-homer season in 2025. The Mets attempted to extend him to a seven-year, $158 million contract during the 2023 season, but the first baseman turned them down to explore free agency after 2024.
He ended up signing a two-year, $54 million deal with the Mets ahead of 2025, but opted out of the deal afterwards. He signed with the Orioles on a five-year, $155 million deal. This season with the Orioles, Alonso has 35 homers and an AL-leading 100 RBIs heading into Monday's game.
He didn't make the All-Star team despite his strong performances, but is on track for his first 4.0+ bWAR season since 2022 with the fourth-highest OPS of his career. His efforts haven't saved the Orioles from sitting last in the AL East, which is one of baseball's more competitive divisions. They have a 72-78 record on the year, and are already eliminated from playoff contention with two weeks remaining in the season.
"The Polar Bear" has plenty of time to make an impact in Baltimore, though, and will look to do so with a clean slate next season.
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