Orioles Gear Up for a Fierce AL East Battle in 2026
The Baltimore Orioles didn’t just sit back this offseason-they went out and made moves. Real ones.
With the addition of Pete Alonso’s power bat and Ryan Helsley’s late-inning heat, this Orioles team looks more dangerous than it has in years. But in the American League East?
Looking good on paper is just the beginning of the fight.
FanGraphs’ latest win projections for 2026 paint a picture of a division that’s as tight as it’s been in recent memory. Baltimore is projected to finish fourth-but get this, the difference between first and fourth is just two games.
The Yankees lead the pack at 86 wins, followed closely by the Red Sox and Blue Jays at 85, with the Orioles right behind at 84. The Rays round things out at 78, but even they aren’t exactly pushovers.
So, what does that tell us? This division could come down to a handful of series. A hot week in June or a clutch trade in July might be the difference between hosting a playoff game and watching from home.
Let’s talk about what the Orioles have going for them. Pete Alonso brings serious pop to the middle of the lineup.
He’s the kind of hitter who can change a game with one swing and change a season with a hot stretch. Pair that with a bullpen bolstered by the addition of Ryan Helsley-who brings a high-velocity, high-leverage presence-and Baltimore’s late-game outlook has improved significantly.
But there are still questions, especially in the rotation. The starting staff remains a bit of a mystery, and in this division, that’s a risky proposition.
The bats might be able to carry the load early, but if the Orioles want to keep pace into September, they’ll likely need reinforcements on the mound. A midseason trade for a frontline starter could be the move that pushes them over the edge.
Meanwhile, the rest of the division isn’t standing still. The Blue Jays came within striking distance of a title last year and responded by reloading with Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and Kazuma Okamoto.
That’s a serious haul. The Yankees, as always, have both the firepower and the financial muscle to make a splash at the deadline.
And the Red Sox, fresh off an 89-win playoff season, have proven they’re not to be underestimated.
So where does that leave Baltimore? In the thick of it.
This team may not be the preseason favorite, but they’re built to compete. An AL East crown might be a stretch, but an 85-win season and a Wild Card berth?
That’s well within reach.
The road ahead won’t be easy. But with a deeper lineup, a more reliable bullpen, and a front office that’s shown it’s willing to make moves, the Orioles have positioned themselves to be a real factor in one of baseball’s toughest divisions. Buckle up-this race is going to be fun.