Full Breakdown
Pete Alonso's Struggles in Early Season with the Baltimore Orioles
4/11/2026, 8:38:36 PM
Overview of Alonso's Performance
Pete Alonso, the Baltimore Orioles' first baseman, is experiencing a challenging start to his tenure with the team. After signing a five-year, $155 million contract in the offseason, Alonso's performance has not met expectations. As of April 10, 2026, he is batting .176 with a .263 on-base percentage and a .275 slugging percentage, including just one home run and three RBIs over 13 games. His struggles have been particularly pronounced in high-pressure situations, as he is 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
Alonso's Expectations and Frustration
Following a 6-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants, Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with his performance, stating, “This is not my standard.” He acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and teammates, emphasizing his commitment to improvement: “Results-wise, yeah, it’s unacceptable for me, and I will be better.” Alonso's history as a consistent power hitter, with 264 home runs in seven seasons with the New York Mets, adds to the weight of expectations surrounding his performance.
Statistical Analysis of Early Struggles
Despite his poor batting average, Alonso's advanced metrics indicate potential for improvement. He ranks highly in average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage, suggesting he is making solid contact with the ball. However, his bat speed has declined to 72.9 mph, down from an elite 75 mph in previous seasons. This drop may be impacting his ability to hit fastballs effectively, as evidenced by his negative performance against various pitch types compared to his previous seasons.
Team Dynamics and Support
Within the Orioles' clubhouse, there remains a strong belief in Alonso's ability to turn his performance around. Teammate Samuel Basallo noted, “Everybody goes through that [a slump] sometimes — even the best players in the game.” Manager Craig Albernaz also acknowledged the need for Alonso to regain his rhythm, indicating that slumps are a natural part of a player's career.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics have pointed out that Alonso's early-season slump is concerning, especially given the significant investment the Orioles made in him. His inability to deliver in crucial moments has raised questions about his role in the lineup, particularly as the team seeks to improve upon a disappointing 2025 season. The Orioles currently hold a 6-7 record, and Alonso's performance is seen as pivotal to their success.
What's Next for Alonso and the Orioles
As the season progresses, the Orioles and their fans are hopeful that Alonso will find his form. With the month of April still underway, there is time for him to recover from this early slump. The team will continue to rely on his power-hitting capabilities, and Alonso himself remains optimistic about his potential contributions moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But for me, this is not my standard.” — Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles First Baseman
- “Results-wise, yeah, it’s unacceptable for me, and I will be better.” — Pete Alonso
- “Everybody goes through that [a slump] sometimes — even the best players in the game, and I believe he’s one of the best players in the game,” — Samuel Basallo, Orioles Catcher
In summary, while Pete Alonso's start with the Baltimore Orioles has been less than stellar, both he and the team are committed to overcoming these early challenges as the season unfolds.
