Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, the Baltimore Orioles have been quite active on the market this winter. They signed Pete Alonso, one of the offseason’s top free agents, to a five-year, $155 million contract, while also bringing in Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, and Zach Eflin.
In addition to the influx of quality the newcomers bring, the Orioles also boast one of the best young cores in the majors, Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.
On Monday’s episode of “GM Territory,” former Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden was asked who he thought the O’s breakout player of 2026 would be. Instead of any of the aforementioned stars, Bowden picked young infielder Jackson Holliday.
“I love what the Orioles did this offseason, and I will give you a breakout player for the Baltimore Orioles. That is second baseman Jackson Holliday,” Bowden said (18:14).
“I think he’s got his feet wet, I think he’s ready to do it. With him leading off for Baltimore, knowing that Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso are going to be behind him in the lineup, I am looking for a huge year from Jackson Holliday,” he added.
“I Can’t Wait To Win Games” – Pete Alonso Outlines His Ambition With The Orioles
Speaking to reporters during his presentation on December 12, 2025, Pete Alonso elaborated on the key factors that convinced him to sign with the Baltimore Orioles, despite plenty of other top teams showing interest. Further, he talked about how excited he was to play for the team and potentially lead them to success.
“I think, as the free-agent process starts, you really don’t know what’s going to happen. Honestly, as the offseason progressed and we got further along, this partnership — for me — was just head and shoulders above everybody else. This park, this city, this team, this organization, everything combined, just clicked,” Pete Alonso said.
“I think it was absolutely the perfect fit, not just as a player, but for family life too. I could go up and down a laundry list of things; there are just so many boxes. Every single box this place checks. For us, we’re just so pleased. And for this organization to see me not just in the now, but in the future, it’s such a blessing. I can’t wait to play, I can’t wait to perform, and I can’t wait to win games,” he added.
Pete Alonso enjoyed a superb 2025 season, batting .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs for the New York Mets. As the Orioles look to make a return to the playoffs in 2026, fans will hope to see more of the same from the first baseman.
Read More:
Teoscar Hernández’s Dodgers Future in Question Following $240M Kyle Tucker Deal, Per Insider
‘Absolutely Pathetic’: Mets Fans Furious as Jonah Tong Pulled With 1 Out Left in Perfect Game
MLB Analysts Links Tigers’ Projected $400M Ace As Mets Next Target After Bo Bichette Deal
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
