What's Happening?
The Baltimore Orioles are gearing up for the upcoming spring training, with pitchers and catchers set to report to Sarasota in early February. This includes players participating in the 2026 World Baseball
Classic, such as Dean Kremer and Rico Garcia. Position players like Gunnar Henderson and Tyler O’Neill will join shortly after. The Orioles' Grapefruit League games will commence on February 20, featuring a notable match against Team Netherlands on March 3. However, there is uncertainty regarding the broadcast of these games, as MASN, the Orioles' broadcasting network, has not confirmed the extent of their coverage. Historically, MASN has aired a limited number of games, supplemented by radio broadcasts and feeds from opposing teams.
Why It's Important?
The broadcast uncertainty highlights a broader issue of accessibility for fans who wish to follow their team during spring training. This situation underscores the financial considerations for networks like MASN, which must balance the cost of broadcasting with potential viewership. For fans, especially those who pay extra for sports channels, the lack of comprehensive coverage can be frustrating. This scenario also reflects on MLB's role in ensuring that fans have access to their teams' games, potentially prompting discussions about league-wide broadcasting mandates for spring training.
What's Next?
As spring training approaches, fans and stakeholders will be watching for announcements from MASN regarding their broadcast plans. The Orioles' management may also face pressure to negotiate better coverage options to satisfy their fan base. Additionally, MLB might consider stepping in to standardize broadcasting practices across teams to ensure consistent access for fans. The outcome of these developments could influence how spring training is consumed by fans in the future.
