Overview
- Pete Alonso agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore, giving the Orioles a middle‑order power upgrade and, per USA TODAY, setting a record average salary for a first baseman.
- The Mets did not make a formal offer to Alonso as bidding escalated beyond their comfort on years, and they also saw closer Edwin Díaz agree to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers.
- Kyle Schwarber returned to the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million pact, a deal Scott Boras says is accelerating longer, higher‑value contracts for elite sluggers over 30.
- USA TODAY reported Díaz’s agreement would make him the highest‑paid reliever by annual value, underscoring the premium on late‑inning arms this offseason.
- Coverage projects New York to pursue multiple additions after core departures, while the Orioles, strengthened by Alonso, still face rotation needs as they recalibrate for 2026.