SARASOTA, Fla. — Pete Alonso made his highly anticipated debut for the Baltimore Orioles on Friday at Ed Smith Stadium, stepping up to the plate wearing new team colors for the first time. The transition came after Alonso agreed to a five-year, $155 million free-agent contract with the Orioles during the offseason, signaling a notable shift for the slugger in the AL East.
Before the game, Alonso shared a brief moment with Yankees third-base coach Luis Rojas, his former manager with the Mets. Their encounter reflected both nostalgia and the changing landscape of Alonso’s career, which had until recently been defined by his seven seasons with New York.
Familiar Faces and New Beginnings in Sarasota
Alonso’s meeting with Rojas brought a smile to both men.
“Just happy for him he got the deal he got. He seemed really happy, too, just talking to him briefly before BP. But always great to see familiar faces in baseball that you spent some time with in the clubhouse. Very happy for him,”
Rojas said. Their conversation underscored the respect and camaraderie developed over years spanning Alonso’s rise through the Mets organization and Rojas’s managerial roles from Double-A to the major leagues.
Rojas, who managed Alonso in various minor league stops and was part of the Mets’ major league coaching staff during Alonso’s 2019 National League Rookie of the Year campaign, recalled first noticing Alonso’s exceptional potential in spring training 2017.
“He was one of the guys you definitely perceived, ‘This guy is different,’”
Rojas said.
“Elite power and had all the baseball personality. Going about his business, working hard, but at the same time having the balance of a good attitude, humorous, energetic and enthusiastic about being in baseball as a professional player.”
Rojas also praised Alonso’s dedication to improving his defensive skills:
“The only thing at the time separating him was his defense, and he worked so hard at it and got so much better because of the dedication he put into it.”
Powerful Performance Propels Orioles Over Yankees
Alonso wasted no time making an impact in his Orioles debut. In the sixth inning, he launched a two-run homer off Yankees right-hander Bradley Hanner on the very first pitch, sending the ball deep over the left field stands to secure a 2-0 lead that Baltimore held to the final out. The home run proved decisive in the Orioles’ victory over their division rivals.
“Hitting homers feels amazing. Doesn’t matter what time of the year,”
Alonso told reporters with a grin after going 1-for-3 at the plate. “Happy to break the seal.”
Alonso’s Adaptation to Camden Yards and AL East Play
Moving from Citi Field to Camden Yards represents a significant change in environment for Alonso. While Citi Field is known for suppressing offense, Baltimore’s ballpark has long been considered a hitter-friendly venue, with the ball carrying well especially to right and right-center field, areas where Alonso’s powerful swing fits naturally.
One American League scout highlighted the potential impact of Alonso’s arrival in Baltimore, saying,
“Alonso in that ballpark could be scary. His swing just fits so well there.”
Alonso has previously experienced success in Camden Yards during interleague play, hitting five home runs in ten games with an OPS over 1.000. Against the Yankees, he has shown substantial power as well, with 11 career homers and a strong OPS in 32 games, including seven home runs at Yankee Stadium.
Looking ahead, Alonso expressed enthusiasm about playing more games against the Yankees.
“It’s always fun because Yankee Stadium, it’s a really great place to play, a fun place to hit,”
he said.
“And, obviously, they have really good teams, and when you play against good teams, it makes for good competition. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”
Alonso’s Leadership Role and Team Outlook
From his first day with the Orioles, Alonso has been regarded by teammates and staff as a key clubhouse leader, stepping into a role that could help guide a young Baltimore roster aiming to rebound following a disappointing 2025 season. His combination of power and professionalism is expected to be a valuable asset in the AL East’s highly competitive environment.
With his record of long-ball hitting and improved defense, Alonso brings proven talent and a winning mindset that Orioles fans hope will energize the franchise’s pursuit of playoff contention.
Next Steps for Alonso and the Orioles
Pete Alonso’s first game in Baltimore foreshadows an exciting new period for the slugger and his team. His immediate offensive contributions and growing leadership presence suggest he will be a cornerstone for the Orioles’ ambitions in the coming seasons. As AL East rivalries heat up, Alonso’s performance will likely influence Baltimore’s trajectory against elite teams, including the Yankees.
Friday’s game was a glimpse of what’s to come, setting expectations high for both Alonso and his new team as they strive to build momentum in the 2026 campaign.
Fire us up, Pete 🔥 pic.twitter.com/A3yZ0EJB0V
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 20, 2026
