Orioles' Pete Alonso Projected for Fourth 40-HR Season

Slugger's power expected to thrive in hitter-friendly Camden Yards

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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After signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, slugger Pete Alonso is projected to hit 40 home runs this season - the fourth time he has reached that mark in his career. Analysts believe Alonso will take full advantage of Camden Yards' hitter-friendly conditions and form an elite one-two punch with fellow Orioles star Adley Rutschman.

Why it matters

Alonso's power production will be a major boost for the Orioles as they look to contend in the competitive AL East. The team has struggled to find consistent power threats in recent years, and Alonso's arrival gives them a true middle-of-the-order bat to build around.

The details

Alonso, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the New York Mets, has hit at least 37 home runs in every full season except 2020 when the season was shortened to 60 games. ESPN projects him to hit 40 homers this year, which would be the fourth time he's reached that milestone. Analysts believe the move to the hitter-friendly confines of Camden Yards will allow Alonso to fully unleash his power potential and form a dangerous duo with young Orioles star Adley Rutschman.

  • Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles in the 2025 offseason.
  • Alonso is projected to hit 40 home runs in the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Pete Alonso

A power-hitting first baseman who has hit at least 37 home runs in every full MLB season of his career so far.

Adley Rutschman

A young star catcher for the Baltimore Orioles who is expected to form an elite one-two punch with Alonso in the Orioles' lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Season prediction: Alonso exploits the hitter-friendly conditions at Camden Yards for his [fourth] 40-home run season and partners with Henderson to create one of the best one-two punches of any lineup in the majors.”

— Jorge Castillo, Analyst (ESPN)

The takeaway

Alonso's arrival in Baltimore gives the Orioles a true power-hitting threat that they've lacked in recent years. His ability to consistently hit 40 home runs, combined with Rutschman's emerging stardom, could make the Orioles one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the American League.