{"id":589426,"date":"2026-02-24T03:55:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T03:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/589426\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T03:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T03:55:19","slug":"pete-alonso-sounds-off-on-important-role-after-exiting-mets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/589426\/","title":{"rendered":"Pete Alonso sounds off on important role after exiting Mets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veteran slugger Pete Alonso<\/a> is wasting no time in making his presence felt in his first stint with the Baltimore Orioles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When Alonso chose the Orioles in the offseason<\/a>, it was billed as a franchise-defining swing. Now, as spring training continues to take shape, the early returns on Alonso\u2019s time in Baltimore have been instructive.<\/p>\n

Teammates are already lauding the 31-year-old Alonso, who has made two home runs in two games in the Grapefruit League. While most newcomers would feel awkward exerting their leadership<\/a> from the onset, Alonso is a different breed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a really special group, and I feel like, for me, being able to just communicate with the guys is really important,\u201d said Alonso in an interview with the MLB Network.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to share my experience when I can. Experience is valuable, and this group is really talented, and I just want to help the best way I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

“I just want to share my experience when I can. Experience is valuable and this group is really talented.”@Orioles<\/a> slugger Pete Alonso speaks about his role as a leader in Baltimore.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa 30 Clubs, 30 Camps pic.twitter.com\/DJpazdxEof<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Alonso left the New York Mets<\/a> after a stellar campaign last season, wherein he posted career-bests of .272 batting average and 170 hits on top of 38 home runs and 126 RBIs.<\/p>\n

Obviously, he wants to sustain his success as he suits up for the Orioles. He stressed that he is focused on becoming a more efficient hitter and \u201cnot being too passive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not just wanting to be a hitter, it’s just wanting to win at-bats, just being consistent. If I’m getting a pitch over the middle of the plate, I want to be able to capitalize on it and push it hard between the lines,\u201d added Alonso.<\/p>\n

The five-time All-Star signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles, a move that immediately increased the team’s competitiveness.<\/p>\n

While it is still early, what is clear at this stage is that the Orioles have found their power bat, and the upcoming season could be a defining one for Alonso.<\/p>\n