"The biggest news of a relatively quiet Winter Meetings dropped on the final day. Pete Alonso is headed to Baltimore (pending a physical) on a massive five-year deal. His departure from the Mets had been telegraphed by the team's reported reluctance to go beyond three years. It's nevertheless jarring for a team that has spent at the top of the league to be comfortably outbid on the franchise's all-time home runs leader by a mid-market Orioles club."
"Alonso's departure came one day after the Mets let walk to the Dodgers. They're a few weeks removed from trading Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien. Clearly, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his front office weren't happy to run it all back after the team melted down in the second half. They've signed Devin Williams to replace Díaz."
"At the beginning of the offseason, Stearns spoke about a need to improve the pitching and defense (link via Will Sammon of The Athletic). Aside from the Williams signing, they've waited out the pitching market so far. Their position player moves, or lack thereof, suggest they're indeed focused on getting more athletic. Semien remains an excellent defensive second baseman. Alonso's lack of defensive value is a big reason they were reluctant to pay him into his mid-30s."
Pete Alonso agreed to a five-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles after the Mets reportedly declined to offer more than three years, allowing a mid-market club to outbid the franchise's all-time home run leader. Alonso's move followed another recent departure to the Dodgers and the trade of Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien. President David Stearns and the front office avoided repeating a second-half collapse by signing Devin Williams to replace Díaz and largely waiting out the pitching market. The roster direction emphasizes improved pitching, defense and athleticism, with Alonso's defensive limitations a key factor.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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