Orioles' Pete Alonso crushes home run in spring training debut

The slugger wasted no time showing off his power for his new team

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In his first game as a Baltimore Oriole, star first baseman Pete Alonso hit a towering two-run home run off pitcher Bradley Hanner during a spring training matchup against the New York Yankees. Alonso, one of the biggest free agent signings of the 2026 offseason, is known for his prodigious power and immediately gave Orioles fans a taste of what he can do at the plate.

Why it matters

Alonso's arrival in Baltimore is a major boost for the Orioles, who are hoping to build on a promising 2025 season and contend in the AL East. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him one of the most feared hitters in baseball, and his early success in spring training is an encouraging sign for Orioles fans eager to see their team back in the playoffs.

The details

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, with the Orioles trailing 1-0, Alonso stepped to the plate and launched a towering two-run shot to left field off Yankees pitcher Bradley Hanner. The ball traveled an estimated 425 feet, giving the Orioles a 2-1 lead that they would not relinquish.

  • The game took place on February 20, 2026 in Florida during MLB spring training.

The players

Pete Alonso

A star first baseman who signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a high-profile free agent in the 2026 offseason after a successful career with the New York Mets.

Bradley Hanner

A pitcher for the New York Yankees who gave up the home run to Pete Alonso in the spring training game.

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What’s next

Alonso and the Orioles will continue their spring training schedule, with more opportunities for the slugger to showcase his power for his new team and fans.

The takeaway

Pete Alonso's immediate impact with a towering home run in his Orioles debut is an exciting sign for Baltimore fans, who are hoping the star first baseman can help lead the team back to the playoffs after a promising 2025 season.