The Orioles are gearing up for the 2026 season with a roster that's showing promise, though it's not without its challenges. The front office has worked to bolster depth, which is crucial given the injuries they've faced. Yet, one area raising eyebrows is the bullpen.
Last year, the Orioles' bullpen struggled, posting a 4.57 ERA, ranking them 25th in MLB, and their 1.9 fWAR came in at 23rd. Walks, home runs, and a bit of bad luck didn’t help either. They shuffled the deck with trades and injuries, leading to a bullpen in constant flux.
This offseason, the Orioles made key moves to address these issues. They signed Ryan Helsley as their closer, brought back Andrew Kittredge, and traded away Kade Strowd. These changes aim to provide more stability, though questions remain.
Mike Elias, the Orioles' president of baseball operations, is optimistic. He sees potential in the mix of veterans and young talent, highlighting the team's strong pitching development program. Elias believes they can coach up new arrivals and improve their performance.
Predicting bullpen success is notoriously tricky due to its inherent volatility. The Orioles are banking on Helsley, who struggled with a 7.20 ERA over 30 games with the Mets, and Keegan Akin, who had issues in high-leverage situations. Yennier Cano also had a tough year, with a 5.12 ERA and control problems.
The bullpen's potential saviors include a group of less experienced pitchers like Dietrich Enns, Rico Garcia, and Chayce McDermott. These names might become more familiar as the season progresses. Many are still green, with limited big-league experience.
Elias is confident in the team's pitching development, which will be crucial until the trade market opens in July. Spring training offers a glimpse of what these arms can do, with some showing promise. For instance, Grant Wolfram impressed by striking out a side of Yankees hitters, while others like Weston and Espada delivered solid outings.
However, Dietrich Enns had a rough start against the Pirates, giving up six runs in just one-third of an inning. Meanwhile, Helsley and Kittredge are yet to make their spring training debuts, focusing on staying healthy for the regular season.
Elias remains hopeful, but the bullpen's readiness for a postseason push is uncertain. FanGraphs ranks them 15th in MLB, suggesting room for improvement. July might bring opportunities for upgrades, as Elias has shown a willingness to make bold moves if the team is in contention.
Félix Bautista's potential return later in the season could be a game-changer. While it's safest to assume he might miss the entire season, his comeback would significantly bolster the bullpen.
For now, the Orioles' strategy hinges on depth and development. While the bullpen may not be a lock for late-game heroics, the team is counting on their starters and offense to carry the load. It's a strategy that, if it clicks, could make 2026 an exciting year for Baltimore fans.