For New York Mets fans still recovering from Pete Alonso’s transition to the Baltimore Orioles, this spring training has been marked by mixed emotions. Alonso has already made headlines by blasting home runs for the Orioles, underscoring why his move has drawn intense attention.
How Pete Alonso is Energizing the Orioles During Spring Training
In his first spring training game with Baltimore, Pete Alonso hit a powerful home run against the New York Yankees, followed by another long ball soon after. Beyond his on-field performance, Alonso has embraced the role of an enthusiastic teammate, often found right behind the on-deck circle, cheering for his teammates and vocally supporting the team in ways that have caught widespread notice.
Alex Fast, a respected Orioles writer, highlighted Alonso’s vibrant dugout presence, describing how Alonso’s energy and encouragement might be exactly what Baltimore needs this season.
“Pete Alonso has either been on the front step or sitting right behind the on deck circle for every Orioles at bat. He’s cheering every outcome, deriding umpires and shouting words of encouragement. He may be just what this team needed.” — Alex Fast, Orioles Writer
The Mets’ Mixed Feelings Toward Alonso’s Success in Baltimore
The passion Alonso displays with the Orioles contrasts sharply with some reflections coming from former Mets players and fans. Darryl Strawberry recently suggested that Alonso will always regret leaving New York, arguing that the Mets are a more special place and that Alonso might have broken even more team records had he stayed.
However, this perspective overlooks key organizational factors. Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, apparently showed little urgency to retain Alonso, suggesting the team was prepared to move forward without him. This indicates that the separation might have benefited both sides, allowing Alonso to flourish in Baltimore while the Mets work on shaping their roster heading into the 2026 season.
Alonso’s Enduring Positive Influence on Team Dynamics
One aspect worth emphasizing is Alonso’s impact on clubhouse culture, both with the Mets and now in Baltimore. His “Polar Bear” energy—known as a positive force among teammates—has remained consistent. Despite some pointed remarks Alonso made about Mets’ management after his departure, his leadership and enthusiasm were widely praised internally.
Given the recent turbulence the Mets have faced in their clubhouse, Alonso’s ability to uplift team morale is notable. Mets fans may feel some loss not only of his offensive contributions but also of the vitality he brought to their clubhouse environment.
Still, the Mets have welcomed new players who offer fresh sources of optimism, marking the start of a new chapter in Queens. While Alonso’s time in New York has ended, his legacy there remains intact and untarnished, reminding fans of the positive imprint he left behind.
PETE ALONSO DEMOLISHES A HOME RUN IN HIS FIRST GAME AS AN ORIOLE pic.twitter.com/Noy4LX712K
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 20, 2026
Pete Alonso has either been on the front step or sitting right behind the on deck circle for every Orioles at bat. He’s cheering every outcome, deriding umpires and shouting words of encouragement.
He may be just what this team needed.
— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) February 22, 2026
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
