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Baltimore Orioles Stun Baseball World by Signing Pete Alonso to 5 Million Deal | Deadspin.com

Baltimore Orioles Stun Baseball World by Signing Pete Alonso to $155 Million Deal | Deadspin.com

The biggest shock of free agency occurred today, with Pete Alonso leaving the New York Mets to sign a 5-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. To say this move is a shock would be quite the understatement. This deal becomes the second-largest total value ever given out by the Orioles, trailing only Chris Davis’ infamous 7-year, $161 million contract.

When you’re looking at small-market teams, signing any large, long-term deal will always be a risk. If Pete Alonso isn’t performing like the near 40-home-run-per-year All-Star we’ve seen since he joined the majors in 2019, this could sink a Baltimore team that is just two years removed from winning the AL East.

Last season was obviously a massive disappointment for the Orioles, with their young core of Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and many others underperforming their lofty expectations. 

However, the farm system is still loaded, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see some — if not most — of their stars return to the near All-Star levels we’ve expected from them the last few years. The beauty of baseball is that small changes can make massive differences each season, and the hope is that these younger players can rebound with less pressure heading into 2026.

Of course, adding Pete Alonso to your lineup makes life a lot easier for everyone around him. Alonso has stretches where he can be inconsistent, but adding a career average 135 OPS+ to the middle of your lineup is exactly what Baltimore needed.

Since moving Ryan O’Hearn, the main option for the Orioles at first base was likely to be Ryan Mountcastle. He can split time with Alonso at first base and DH, or even allow Alonso to play most of his games at DH, as he’s really struggled in the field the last few years. The Orioles were a middle-of-the-road defensive team last season, so even if Alonso has to play the field, I’m not sure his performance at first base would significantly sway their overall defensive metrics — especially at a position that traditionally lacks high defensive value.

Alonso going to Baltimore is terrific for baseball as well. Big markets have dominated free agency for decades, so seeing a team that notoriously doesn’t spend — like the Orioles — shell out real money for the Polar Bear is fantastic. 

It once again proves that small-market teams can spend their money, but often choose not to. The Orioles still need to add arms to a weak starting rotation or this move will be for nothing, potentially giving owner David Rubenstein an excuse in the future for why the organization isn’t spending. Either way, it’s great to see a small-market team steal a prized free agent away from one of the sport’s biggest spenders.

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Australia has left fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood out of its limited overs squads for upcoming tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh later this month.

The trio will miss the three-match series against Pakistan starting May 30, with uncapped all-rounder Liam Scott and Australia Under-19 World Cup captain Ollie Peake earning their first senior international call-ups in a new-look Australian squad.

Young batter Joel Davies is another new face after he was selected for the T20 series against Bangladesh in June.

Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett will travel to Bangladesh once their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments are completed, while veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was omitted altogether.

Mitchell Marsh will be the captain across both tours as Australia begins its preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in October next year.

Selection chairman George Bailey said the tours presented opportunities for emerging players.

“It’s always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team,” Bailey said. “The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours.

“Continuing to provide opportunities for players to develop across a broad range of conditions and experiences is important and will continue to be a focus over the next 18 months to two years.”

Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood are expected to use the break to prepare for Australia’s World Test Championship campaign, which resumes in August in a two-Test home series against Bangladesh.

Australia plays Pakistan in three ODIs in Rawalpindi (May 30) and Lahore (June 2 and 4) before traveling to Bangladesh for three ODI games in Dhaka (June 9, 11 and 14) and three T20 Internationals in Chattogram (June 17, 19 and 21).

AUSTRALIA SQUADS

Australia ODI squad for Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matthew Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa.

Australia ODI squad for Bangladesh: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa

Australia T20 squad for Bangladesh: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa

Published on May 11, 2026

#Australia #squad #tour #Pakistan #Bangladesh #Full #list #Cummins #Starc #Hazlewood #rested">Australia squad for tour in Pakistan, Bangladesh — Full list; Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood rested  Australia has left fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood out of its limited overs squads for upcoming tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh later this month.The trio will miss the three-match series against Pakistan starting May 30, with uncapped all-rounder Liam Scott and Australia Under-19 World Cup captain Ollie Peake earning their first senior international call-ups in a new-look Australian squad.Young batter Joel Davies is another new face after he was selected for the T20 series against Bangladesh in June.Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett will travel to Bangladesh once their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments are completed, while veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was omitted altogether.Mitchell Marsh will be the captain across both tours as Australia begins its preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in October next year.Selection chairman George Bailey said the tours presented opportunities for emerging players.“It’s always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team,” Bailey said. “The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours.“Continuing to provide opportunities for players to develop across a broad range of conditions and experiences is important and will continue to be a focus over the next 18 months to two years.”Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood are expected to use the break to prepare for Australia’s World Test Championship campaign, which resumes in August in a two-Test home series against Bangladesh.Australia plays Pakistan in three ODIs in Rawalpindi (May 30) and Lahore (June 2 and 4) before traveling to Bangladesh for three ODI games in Dhaka (June 9, 11 and 14) and three T20 Internationals in Chattogram (June 17, 19 and 21).AUSTRALIA SQUADSAustralia ODI squad for Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matthew Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa.Australia ODI squad for Bangladesh: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Adam ZampaAustralia T20 squad for Bangladesh: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam ZampaPublished on May 11, 2026  #Australia #squad #tour #Pakistan #Bangladesh #Full #list #Cummins #Starc #Hazlewood #rested

Deadspin | Orioles spin 4-hitter to salvage finale against A’s  May 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Rico Garcia (50) and catcher Samuel Basallo (29) celebrate after defeating the Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images   Dylan Beavers hit a go-ahead single in the sixth inning and four Baltimore pitchers combined on a 4-hitter for a 2-1 victory over the visiting Athletics on Sunday afternoon that avoided a series sweep.  Chris Bassitt (3-2) struck out six and allowed one run over six innings. Rico Garcia worked the ninth and earned his third save despite issuing a walk.  Beavers and Gunnar Henderson had two hits apiece for the Orioles, who snapped a three-game skid by winning for the third time in their last 11 games.  Athletics leadoff man Nick Kurtz extended his on-base streak to 34 games, the longest active mark in the majors, with an eighth-inning walk. Tyler Soderstrom had a double to highlight the team’s four hits.  Athletics starter Luis Severino (2-4) was charged with two runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four.  The Athletics were aiming for their second four-game winning streak this season.  The Orioles used Keegan Akin for one shutout inning as an opener, then Bassitt came in and worked through the seventh. Bassitt scattered four hits and one walk.   Baltimore’s Anthony Nunez pitched the eighth before Garcia, who notched one strikeout, again served as the closer with Ryan Helsley on the injured list. Orioles pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and four walks.  The Athletics, who wrapped up their six-game road trip atop the AL West, went up 1-0 on Carlos Cortes’ second-inning sacrifice fly.  Henderson’s run-scoring infield single brought the Orioles even in the third.  The Orioles loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth and didn’t convert. They stranded eight runners in the game.  But in the next inning, Beavers came through on a nine-pitch at-bat with a go-ahead single. That marked the end of Severino’s outing.  Athletics reliever Justin Sterner worked out of a bases-loaded jam by recording two strikeouts.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Orioles #spin #4hitter #salvage #finaleMay 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Rico Garcia (50) and catcher Samuel Basallo (29) celebrate after defeating the Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Dylan Beavers hit a go-ahead single in the sixth inning and four Baltimore pitchers combined on a 4-hitter for a 2-1 victory over the visiting Athletics on Sunday afternoon that avoided a series sweep.

Chris Bassitt (3-2) struck out six and allowed one run over six innings. Rico Garcia worked the ninth and earned his third save despite issuing a walk.

Beavers and Gunnar Henderson had two hits apiece for the Orioles, who snapped a three-game skid by winning for the third time in their last 11 games.

Athletics leadoff man Nick Kurtz extended his on-base streak to 34 games, the longest active mark in the majors, with an eighth-inning walk. Tyler Soderstrom had a double to highlight the team’s four hits.

Athletics starter Luis Severino (2-4) was charged with two runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four.

The Athletics were aiming for their second four-game winning streak this season.


The Orioles used Keegan Akin for one shutout inning as an opener, then Bassitt came in and worked through the seventh. Bassitt scattered four hits and one walk.

Baltimore’s Anthony Nunez pitched the eighth before Garcia, who notched one strikeout, again served as the closer with Ryan Helsley on the injured list. Orioles pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and four walks.

The Athletics, who wrapped up their six-game road trip atop the AL West, went up 1-0 on Carlos Cortes’ second-inning sacrifice fly.

Henderson’s run-scoring infield single brought the Orioles even in the third.

The Orioles loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth and didn’t convert. They stranded eight runners in the game.

But in the next inning, Beavers came through on a nine-pitch at-bat with a go-ahead single. That marked the end of Severino’s outing.

Athletics reliever Justin Sterner worked out of a bases-loaded jam by recording two strikeouts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Orioles #spin #4hitter #salvage #finale">Deadspin | Orioles spin 4-hitter to salvage finale against A’s  May 10, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Rico Garcia (50) and catcher Samuel Basallo (29) celebrate after defeating the Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images   Dylan Beavers hit a go-ahead single in the sixth inning and four Baltimore pitchers combined on a 4-hitter for a 2-1 victory over the visiting Athletics on Sunday afternoon that avoided a series sweep.  Chris Bassitt (3-2) struck out six and allowed one run over six innings. Rico Garcia worked the ninth and earned his third save despite issuing a walk.  Beavers and Gunnar Henderson had two hits apiece for the Orioles, who snapped a three-game skid by winning for the third time in their last 11 games.  Athletics leadoff man Nick Kurtz extended his on-base streak to 34 games, the longest active mark in the majors, with an eighth-inning walk. Tyler Soderstrom had a double to highlight the team’s four hits.  Athletics starter Luis Severino (2-4) was charged with two runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four.  The Athletics were aiming for their second four-game winning streak this season.  The Orioles used Keegan Akin for one shutout inning as an opener, then Bassitt came in and worked through the seventh. Bassitt scattered four hits and one walk.   Baltimore’s Anthony Nunez pitched the eighth before Garcia, who notched one strikeout, again served as the closer with Ryan Helsley on the injured list. Orioles pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and four walks.  The Athletics, who wrapped up their six-game road trip atop the AL West, went up 1-0 on Carlos Cortes’ second-inning sacrifice fly.  Henderson’s run-scoring infield single brought the Orioles even in the third.  The Orioles loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth and didn’t convert. They stranded eight runners in the game.  But in the next inning, Beavers came through on a nine-pitch at-bat with a go-ahead single. That marked the end of Severino’s outing.  Athletics reliever Justin Sterner worked out of a bases-loaded jam by recording two strikeouts.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Orioles #spin #4hitter #salvage #finale

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