The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in the thick of the ultra-competitive AL East, squaring off against powerhouses like the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. Despite the daunting lineup of rivals, the Orioles have set their sights on emerging as the top team in the division, thanks to a strategic offseason of big spending and a roster brimming with potential.
This optimism is fueled by the anticipation of breakout seasons from key players, namely right-handed pitcher Shane Baz and 24-year-old infielder Coby Mayo. Keith Law of The Athletic has pegged these two as pivotal to the Orioles' success in 2026.
Baz, acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, had a challenging stint last year, particularly at George Steinbrenner Field, where he surrendered 18 of his 26 home runs. However, with a change of scenery, Baz is poised to tap into his impressive arsenal, control, and delivery, potentially evolving into a top-of-the-rotation starter.
His spring performance shows promise, with a 5.06 ERA over two games, following a 4.87 ERA last season. A breakout year from Baz could significantly bolster the Orioles' pitching lineup.
Meanwhile, Mayo is making waves with a standout spring, boasting a .464 average, one home run, and a 1.131 OPS in 28 at-bats. This follows a more subdued performance last season, where he hit .217 with 11 home runs and a .687 OPS in 263 at-bats.
Mayo's aggressive approach at the plate this spring-swinging more and taking fewer strikes-could be the key to his resurgence. If he continues this trajectory, Mayo could cement his place in the lineup, even as injured teammates make their return.
Should Baz and Mayo deliver on their potential, the Orioles could indeed find themselves in a strong position to contend for the AL East title. While baseball is a team effort and no single player can carry a team, these breakout performances, combined with a solid roster, could pave the way for a postseason run and perhaps even an AL East crown for the Orioles in 2026.