Good morning, Camden Chatters.
In case you’ve forgotten, Pete Alonso is really, really good. and O’s fans are lucky to get to watch him. Last night, the Orioles’ best player continued to rake in the honors, finishing an impressive fifth place in the AL Most Valuable Player vote.
Alonso didn’t receive any first-place votes — and neither did anyone aside from the unanimous winner, Houston’s Yordan Alvarez — but the O’s first baseman was well represented in the final tally. Alonso appeared on 28 of the 30
ballots, which run 10 players deep. Alonso got a pair of third-place votes, and 13 votes as a top-five finisher. The only voters to leave him out of their top 10 entirely were Dave Skretta of the Associated Press and The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. Prepare the angry emails!
Additionally, Alonso was named as the first baseman for the All-MLB First Team. To be clear, it’s not an actual team — they’re not setting out on a barnstorming tour of America or anything like that — but it’s the league’s recognition of the best regular-season player at every position this year. Alonso was a slam-dunk selection as the MLB leader among first basemen in home runs (40), RBIs (113), runs (100), and fWAR (5.0).
Alonso’s latest honors are just another reminder that, as Stacey wrote, the Polar Bear was the best thing about the 2026 Orioles. Not only did he provide superb on-field production — arguably the best since his rookie season in 2019 — but he was a respected clubhouse leader and an immediate fan favorite. Alonso has jelled so perfectly with the Baltimore community that it’s like he’s been here all his life.
The O’s made a huge splash last offseason when they signed Alonso to a team-record five-year, $155 million contract, and Year 1 was a resounding success. I only wish the Orioles had built a better team around him.
Links
Banner learning new role as Orioles’ general manager; Alonso, Cowser earn honors – BaltimoreBaseball.com
I like everything I’ve read so far about the Orioles’ new GM. But if Jared Banner turns out to be a Mike Elias clone, my opinion is subject to change.
The Orioles are floating the idea of some infielders trying the outfield. How might it work? – The Baltimore Banner
It probably won’t. My wild and crazy idea is that the Orioles should acquire some, you know, actual outfielders.
Jon Meoli: With a lockout looming, the Orioles need to be early movers in their offseason work – The Baltimore Banner
Bonus Banner content (the publication, not the new GM). Jon Meoli wants the Orioles to be aggressive and start making moves right now. I would appreciate that, too, if for no other reason than to give us some O’s content to chew on while we’re waiting out a months-long lockout.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! And happy 29th birthday to Trevor Rogers. The left-hander transformed from an iffy 2024 trade acquisition into a bright spot in the Birds’ rotation the past two years, winning Most Valuable Oriole honors for his sensational 2025 campaign. Rogers is set to get a big payday in free agency this offseason, and I hope it comes from the Orioles.
Other players in O’s history born on Nov. 13 include lefty Wade Miley (40), third baseman Josh Bell (40), righty Pat Hentgen (58), and outfielder Larry Harlow (75).
On this day in 2023, Gunnar Henderson was unanimously voted AL Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Oriole to win the award in 34 years. Henderson batted .255/.325/.489 with 28 homers, 82 RBIs, and 100 runs, posting a 6.1 WAR. And I’m sure Gunnar has only gotten better since then, right? …Right?
