Pete Alonso made his emotional return to Citi Field on a Monday night, stepping out of the visitor’s dugout wearing the black and orange jersey of the Baltimore Orioles. The 31-year-old first baseman had spent his first seven big-league seasons with the New York Mets, establishing himself as the franchise’s all-time home-run leader and a five-time All-Star. After leaving in free agency, Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore in December. During his homecoming, Alonso went 0-for-3 with a walk in the game, but received a resounding welcome from the New York crowd.
Pete Alonso Returns to Citi Field in an Orioles Uniform
The Mets fan base made their feelings about the organization’s roster decisions unmistakably clear throughout the night. Fans chanted Alonso’s name twenty minutes before the first pitch while he was still inside the Orioles clubhouse, and they gave him a standing ovation every time he stepped up to the plate. During the game, a tribute video chronicled his years with the franchise, leaving Alonso noticeably teary-eyed as he tipped his cap to the crowd. Following his first-at-bat flyout, the crowd erupted into a loud chant of Fire Stearns
directed at Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, a protest that lasted into the next at-bat.
Front Office Criticisms and the Decision to Let Alonso Leave
The decision to let the franchise icon depart has drawn heavy criticism and is viewed by observers as a significant miscalculation by the front office. Former Mets executive Sandy Alderson and critics have pointed out that the organization miscalculated in letting Alonso walk away without an offer over the winter, gambling that his production and deep connection to the fan base could be easily replaced. The team ultimately failed to replace what was lost, contributing to a difficult season for New York.
Alonso’s departure followed multiple failed attempts to secure a long-term extension with the Mets. He had turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension offer in 2023, which served as the first signal that his tenure in New York might end. Now playing in Baltimore, Alonso has maintained his trademark durability, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 100 runs while continuing his streak of playing in every single game.
Game Outcome and Postseason Implications
On the field, the Orioles secured a series-opening 2-1 victory over the Mets. Baltimore shortstop Gunnar Henderson hit a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning off right-hander Dedniel Núñez, sending a 397-foot shot over the right-center-field wall. The win moved the Orioles to a 73-78 record, keeping their slim postseason hopes alive as they sat three games back of the final American League Wild Card spot with 11 games remaining.
For the Mets, the loss brought a definitive end to their season. Dropping to 69-81, the team was officially eliminated from postseason contention following the defeat. Reflecting on the tight race and his new chapter in Maryland, Alonso emphasized his focus on the stretch run, stating, We’re three games out of a playoff spot, so it’s exciting baseball. Hopefully, we can keep winning games and get a chance to play in October.
