The Orioles started the season 3-2 last year before going 18-34 in April and May. Baltimore was all but out of the division race before posting a 16-11 June, and the team’s 13-12 July record failed to prevent a sale at the trade deadline.
They say you can’t win a World Series early in the season, but you can lose your opportunity to compete for one. Baltimore lost their manager, multiple starting pitchers, and any chance at the postseason before school let out for summer. It’s a fate that the 2026
team will do everything in its power to avoid.
Teams can survive a slow start if they turn things on later in the year, but there is a real incentive for this group to hit the ground running. The team added multiple veteran leaders in Pete Alonso, Chris Bassitt and Taylor Ward, but several of Baltimore’s top contributors are younger players lacking in postseason experience.
New skipper Craig Albernaz has made an impact with his “Day One” mantra, but the still (relatively) young core could adapt a “here we go again” type of mindset if they struggle out of the gate. I shouldn’t have to sell you on the importance of winning baseball games, but should we expect it to happen?
Reason for Optimism
One look at the starting rotation should already inspire confidence. Zach Eflin—last year’s Opening Day starter—has dropped to the bottom of the rotation. Trevor Rogers is set to take the ball in Game 1 after pitching at a Cy Young pace for a majority of the last season. Kyle Bradish is back. The team likes the floor and loves the ceiling of trade acquisition Shane Baz, and Chris Bassitt knows how to pitch in the AL East.
This group replaces 30 starts by Tomoyuki Sugano, 22 appearances by Cade Povich, and 23 games from Charlie Morton. Povich and Brandon Young (12 starts in 2025) will look to develop at Norfolk where they’ll be joined by six-year veteran Dean Kremer.
Baltimore optioning Kremer (11-10, 4.19 ERA) to the minors should tell you everything you need to know about this rotation. Kremer posted 2.2 bWAR last season, and the team believes it has at least five starters that give the team a better chance to win. The 30-year-old righty will definitely get a chance to make an impact this season, but his option speaks to the depth that Baltimore has built up for 2026. Kremer, Povich, Young, Tyler Wells, and Albert Suárez could all take the ball while prospects like Trey Gibson work toward a summer promotion.
The starters will hopefully find their way into winnable games thanks to the offensive additions. Pete Alonso will provide protection for Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Colton Cowser. A full year of Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers should help. Taylor Ward tallied 36 homers last season, and Tyler O’Neill should be able to top his disappointing totals from 2025. The mainstays of the lineup should lighten the burden on players like Cowser, Coby Mayo and Blaze Alexander.
The schedule looks relatively favorable with matchups against the Twins, Rangers, Pirates and White Sox to begin the season.
Cause for Concern
The Orioles infield took a blow when Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg went down with injuries. Holliday is already nearing a return, but hand injuries often make an impact on a player’s ability to hit for power. Westburg is set to miss at least the first month, but there’s a lingering concern that the team will be without the former All Star long term.
Baltimore will count on Mayo and Alexander to fill the void in April. Mayo’s defense will be under a microscope, and Alexander will be asked to fill a larger role than originally anticipated. What happens if the duo fail to meet expectations?
Ryan Helsley will enter the season as the team’s closer, but the bullpen hierarchy still needs ironed out. Andrew Kittredge and Keegan Akin both suffered spring injuries, and Yennier Cano failed to pitch like a high-leverage reliever last season. Albernaz will look to find trustworthy relievers early in the year, but the search could come with consequences if players fail to meet the moment.
