Pete Alonso’s Orioles praise sure sounds like a dig at controversial Mets exit

The Baltimore Orioles' signing of Pete Alonso was one of the most revealing moments of the offseason. It signaled a level of urgency from the Orioles that fans have been begging for, but also hinted at larger issues with the Mets. Issues that stemmed from the fact that the Mets also fell short in the bidding to bring back All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, and traded Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil.

What confused Mets fans even more is the fact that New York didn't even make an offer to Alonso before he chose the Orioles. It hasn't taken long for Alonso to become a voice of influence with the Orioles, and it may all stem from the thing he lacked during his final years with the Mets.

Earlier this week, Alonso was asked about his departure, and rather than focus on the past, he touched on what his early months with the Orioles have felt like.

"For me, there's no need to think about the what-ifs and the hypotheticals because I'm so appreciated here," Alonso told reporters. "To where it's like I feel so comfortable, so awesome with this group, that I don't need to look back. I'm beyond happy here, so there's no reason for me to think anything else other than this organization winning a World Series."

Orioles offered Pete Alonso the one thing he never had with the Mets

Despite being a franchise cornerstone for the Mets, his status with the team had been on uneasy footing in recent years. The Mets were never eager to give Alonso a long-term contract. Alonso signed a two-year contract with the Mets before the 2025 season, and it afforded him the opportunity to opt out this offseason. Rather than take a similar deal with the Mets once again, he called their bluff and signed the five-year deal with the Orioles.

Credit to the Orioles for stepping up where the Mets fell short.

And, credit to Alonso as well. Rather than focus on what went wrong with the Mets, Alonso is embracing his future with the Orioles. As part, he's saying things, like the goal of winning the World Series, that previous Orioles leaders have been afraid to say. Alonso will ultimately be judged for his performance on the field, but off the field, he certainly looks the part.