What happened: Alonso reached 40 homers in his eighth major-league season, his first with Baltimore. He has now hit 40 or more in four of those eight seasons.
Why it matters: Consistent 40-homer production anchors Baltimore's middle of the order in the final September week of the regular season. Doing it in his first Baltimore season establishes immediate first-year impact after the club change.
By the numbers: 40 HR in 2026; 40-plus in 4 of 8 career seasons. At 39 HR: .265 AVG, 106 RBI.
What to watch: Baltimore continues its late-September home stretch with Toronto in town.