After a humbling 75 win campaign in 2025, the Baltimore Orioles enter 2026 with a “bounce back or bust” mentality. The front office, led by Mike Elias, moved aggressively this winter to supplement a young core that struggled with injuries and regression. The headline of the offseason was signing Pete Alonso (5 years, $155million), who is a legitimate power threat that will fit right in the middle of the lineup.
They also signed Chris Bassitt to add depth to the starting rotation and Ryan Helsley to act as the new closer. With these moves, the Orioles are hopeful they can contend again for the AL East crown.
Lineup:
Gunnar Henderson remains the heartbeat of the lineup. After a “down” 2025 in which he played through a shoulder impingement, he’s expected to be fully healthy and primed for a big year and it should help that he’ll have Alonso right behind him in the batting order.
Taylor Ward was acquired from the Angels and brings a .800+ ops potential to the corner outfield. Jackson Holliday is expected to miss the start of the season, but could be back by mid-April as he recovers from a broken hamate bone. Jordan Westburg is dealing with a UCL issue, opening the door for Blaze Alexander and top prospect Coby Mayo to see significant early season action.
Rotation:
The Orioles don’t have an ace per se in their rotation as they are built more upon depth with hopeful “high ceilings”. The idea has been floated by Manager, Craig Albernaz, of a six-man rotation. Kyle Bradish has pitched like an ace when healthy over the past three seasons (2.78 ERA in 44 starts). Trevor Rogers was a standout last season as in 18 starts he pitched to a 1.81 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. Shane Baz was acquired from the Rays to fill out the middle rotation, along with Bassitt. Zach Eflin is returning from back surgery and the O’s are hopeful he can hold up the backend of the rotation.
Bullpen:
With the expectation that Felix Bautista will be out for most, if not all, of the season the Orioles were aggressive in building a bridge to cover the loss. Ryan Helsely was signed (2 years, $28million) to fill the closer role this season. Andrew Kittredge was traded to the Cubs at the 2025 trade deadline and then traded back for him this offseason. After a down 2025, Keegan Akin should operate as the primary lefty option. Yennier Cano is hoping to reclaim his 2023 dominance after a difficult 2025 (5.12 ERA). Tyler Wells is considered the “swingman” if he doesn’t crack the rotation and could settle into the long-relief role.
Projected Lineup
- Gunnar Henderson – SS
- Taylor Ward – LF
- Pete Alonso – 1B
- Adley Rutschman – C
- Samuel Basallo – DH
- Jordan Westburg – 3B
- Jackson Holliday – 2B
- Tyler O’Neill – RF
- Colton Cowser – CF
Projected Rotation
- Kyle Bradish
- Trevor Rogers
- Shane Baz
- Chris Bassitt
- Zach Eflin
Projected Bullpen
Ryan Helsley – Closer
Andrew Kittredge – Setup
Keegan Akin
Yennier Cano
Tyler Wells
Dietrich Enns
Manager: Craig Albernaz (1st season)
Projection: 79-83 (4th in the AL East)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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