The New York Mets faced a significant setback in the recent offseason when Pete Alonso chose to leave the team, a decision that stunned many, including former Mets slugger Darryl Strawberry. Alonso, known as the “Polar Bear,” declined a $158 million, seven-year contract extension in 2023 and later opted out of his contract after the 2025 season, ultimately signing with the Baltimore Orioles. Strawberry expressed that Alonso will come to regret his choice to leave the Mets.
Alonso had re-signed with the Mets in 2025 on a two-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out clause following that season. After earning $30 million in 2025, he decided to exercise this clause, foregoing a $24 million salary for 2026. This decision came after the Mets narrowly missed the playoffs following a crucial loss to the Miami Marlins on the final day of the season.
Record-Breaking Career Highlights with the Mets
During the 2025 season, Alonso continued to impress, batting .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. On August 12, he achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record. In a game against the Atlanta Braves, Alonso hit his 253rd home run off Spencer Strider, becoming the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
He finished the 2025 season with a total of 264 home runs for the Mets, cementing his place in the team’s history. However, only five months after reaching this milestone, he chose to leave the team and join the Orioles.
Strawberry’s Reaction: A Warning to Alonso
Darryl Strawberry, who debuted with the Mets in 1983 and spent eight seasons with the team, voiced his surprise and disappointment over Alonso’s move. Reflecting on his own experience of leaving New York, Strawberry remarked that Alonso would soon regret his departure from the Mets.
I was really shocked that Pete would leave New York for Baltimore… One day he is going to wake up just like I did and regret you didn’t stick where you are at… Don’t get me wrong; I am not getting on Baltimore… Baltimore is a good place, but it’s not New York.
Darryl Strawberry said as per SNY
Strawberry’s major league career continued after his time with the Mets, including stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees before his career ended due to suspension. His perspective carries weight, given his history with the Mets and personal experience of moving away from New York.
Alonso’s New Chapter Begins in Baltimore
In December 2025, Alonso signed a lucrative five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, marking his transition from the National League to the American League. This signing was widely reported, highlighting the impact Alonso’s arrival would have on an already competitive AL East division.
BREAKING: First baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Alonso leaves the Mets to make a loaded AL East even better.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2025
Alonso’s debut with the Orioles in Spring Training has shown promising signs. In his first two games, he hit two home runs, quickly making his presence felt in Baltimore. His first homer came against the New York Yankees in a tight 2-0 game when he blasted a two-run shot in the sixth inning off Bradley Hanner, which proved decisive for the Orioles’ victory.
THE POLAR BEAR! 🐻❄️ Pete Alonso has his first home run as an Oriole this spring!(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/qobxU25eiQ— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 20, 2026
He continued this strong performance against the Detroit Tigers, shooting a solo home run in a game that ended in a 4-4 tie. These early feats reflect Alonso’s intent to contribute significantly to his new team as the Orioles aim to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season, when they finished last in the AL East with a 75-87 record after playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024.
Future Implications for Alonso and Orioles Fans
Despite Alonso’s encouraging start, his decision to leave the Mets remains a hot topic, especially with Darryl Strawberry’s public doubts about the move. Alonso’s departure represents more than just a roster change; it symbolizes a shift in the Mets’ identity and fan sentiment. Strawberry’s warnings imply that the long-term value of holding Mets records and the emotional connection with New York could outweigh the immediate financial benefits Alonso gains in Baltimore.
For the Orioles, adding Alonso brings a powerful bat and a franchise record-holder to their lineup, potentially revitalizing a team that has recently struggled. Orioles supporters will be watching closely to see if Alonso’s influence can help the team climb the standings in the competitive American League East.
Meanwhile, Mets fans are left to adjust to life without their home run leader, wondering if Alonso’s bold choice will, over time, feel like a missed opportunity for both player and team.
BREAKING: First baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Alonso leaves the Mets to make a loaded AL East even better.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2025
Pete Alonso hits career homer No. 253, passing Darryl Strawberry for the most home runs in @Mets franchise history! pic.twitter.com/QIExcEVeoT
— MLB (@MLB) August 12, 2025
Darryl Strawberry says Pete Alonso will regret leaving New York for Baltimore, adding that Pete should have realized how much it would have meant to hold every Mets record one day pic.twitter.com/mqQ04IIxlT
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 23, 2026
THE POLAR BEAR! 🐻❄️ Pete Alonso has his first home run as an Oriole this spring!
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/qobxU25eiQ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 20, 2026
