Pete Alonso embraced a symbolic fresh start with the Baltimore Orioles, selecting jersey number 25 for deeply personal reasons during his official introduction on December 12, 2025. The five-time MLB All-Star, who inked a massive five-year, $155 million deal after leaving the New York Mets, donned the new digits at his press conference, marking the end of his No. 20 era that spanned his entire seven-season big-league career. This choice isn’t random—it’s a tribute to the year his family grew, blending professional reinvention with fatherhood’s joy.
In a touching video shared by the Orioles, Alonso explained the backstory. “2025 is such a special year for me and my family because we welcomed our son into the world in the year 2025. So I chose 25 because of him,” he revealed, referring to baby Sonny, born to him and wife Haley in late September. The timing resonates: Alonso’s powerhouse 2025 campaign—slashing .272/.347/.524 with 41 doubles (NL-leading), 38 homers, and 126 RBIs across 162 games—coincided with this life milestone, fueling his opt-out and free-agent splash. Number 20, his Mets staple and franchise-record 264-homer hallmark, was unavailable in Baltimore, retired for Hall of Famer Frank Robinson since 1985.
Alonso’s arrival electrifies an Orioles lineup blending youth and proven pop. After missing the 2025 playoffs, Baltimore targeted the “Polar Bear” to anchor the heart of the order, pairing his rookie-of-the-year pedigree (2019), two Home Run Derby crowns, and five All-Star nods with prospects like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. His durability—back-to-back full seasons—addresses past injury concerns, while that .871 OPS promises 40+ homer upside in Camden Yards’ short porch. Orioles brass views him as the veteran glue for contention, especially after pivoting from pursuits like Kyle Schwarber.
The number 25 carries light franchise history too. Debuted by Frank Waddey in 1931 (.273 average over 14 games), it’s donned by 61 players total, now rebooted by Alonso’s star power. Fans buzzed on social media, with SNY Mets clips of the reveal amassing views, celebrating the slugger’s family-first vibe amid Mets heartbreak—no formal offer from New York sealed his exit. For Alonso, it’s poetic: from Queens’ Citi Field roars to Baltimore’s bird bath, No. 25 symbolizes legacy-building on and off the field.
This move hints at more Orioles aggression. Linked to multi-time All-Star pitchers in free agency, their winter haul positions a fearsome core for 2026 AL East wars against Yankees and Red Sox reloaded squads. Alonso’s enthusiasm shines: “Everything just clicked” with Baltimore, per his intro remarks, eyeing playoffs after Mets’ 2024 WS run fizzled. As spring training nears, pitchers grip clubs tighter knowing No. 25 steps up—Sonny’s dad, ready to mash.
Alonso’s journey evolves: Mets icon to Orioles cornerstone, all under a number etched in family lore. MLB thrives on such stories—power, heart, and new beginnings.