Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
There were a number of things missing from the Orioles last year. One of those things was someone hitting a bunch of dingers. The 2026 Orioles have their share of problems too, but at least they’ve got a guy hitting a bunch of dingers. They had to pay $31 million a year to get Pete
Alonso, and so far he’s doing what they’re paying him for.
In this week’s survey, I asked Orioles fans to make their choice for Most Valuable Oriole so far this season. To my surprise, Alonso came out as the choice of a majority of voters. People love their homers. Here’s how the voting turned out:
Looking purely at bWAR accumulated so far, Alonso is tied with Adley Rutschman, so there you go, most valuable. As I outlined when I put up this survey, I think the real answer is Brandon Young, without whom this season looks no different than last year did and with not even slim hope of improving. Alonso is an excellent second choice. No Oriole hit more than 17 homers a year ago and Alonso already has 19. Hopefully he can keep adding to his total in the summer months.
The Orioles continue their season journey in Cincinnati on Friday night.
This week’s survey is sponsored by FanDuel.
