Albert Suárez Returns to Orioles with a Chance to Contribute Again in 2026
Albert Suárez is back in Baltimore, and for fans who followed his journey over the past two seasons, that’s something to feel good about. The 36-year-old right-hander has been one of the more compelling stories in the Orioles’ recent run-an under-the-radar signing who turned into a reliable arm and a clubhouse presence worth rooting for.
In 2024, Suárez was a revelation. After beginning the year in Triple-A Norfolk, he got the call-up in mid-April and didn’t look back.
He logged 32 appearances, 24 of them starts, finishing with a 9-7 record and a 3.70 ERA. Not bad for a pitcher who hadn’t been in the majors since 2017 and had spent the previous five years pitching in Japan and South Korea.
His return to MLB was more than just a feel-good moment-it was a real boost to the Orioles’ staff.
But 2025 told a different story. Suárez made the Opening Day roster and pitched in the second game of the season, but a rotator cuff injury sidelined him for nearly the entire year.
He didn’t return until September, ultimately appearing in just five games. That injury, and the uncertainty surrounding it, led the Orioles to non-tender him at the arbitration deadline, despite his projected salary being the lowest among the team’s 14 arbitration-eligible players.
Still, the door was never fully closed. Just weeks after becoming a free agent, Suárez and the Orioles found common ground. Now he’s back, and he’ll head into spring training with a real chance to earn a spot-again.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias spoke candidly about the decision back in November, noting the financial realities of the arbitration system while also making it clear the organization still valued Suárez highly.
“We love Albert,” Elias said. “He’s been a tremendous success story for us since our pro scouts found him coming out of Asia. What our pitching department did to develop him, and what he did, particularly in 2024-it was impressive.”
Elias also acknowledged how much Suárez’s injury hurt the team’s depth last season. With the rotation dealing with multiple setbacks, a healthy Suárez could’ve been a stabilizing piece. That’s the hope again heading into 2026.
Where Suárez Fits in 2026
The Orioles’ rotation picture is still coming into focus. As of now, Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells are penciled in.
Baltimore is expected to add at least two more arms, whether via free agency or trade. There’s also a group of young starters who got their feet wet in 2025-Cade Povich and Brandon Young combined for 32 starts-and a handful of names in the high minors, like Trey Gibson, Nestor German, Cameron Weston, and Levi Wells, who could become options as the season progresses.
That leaves Suárez in a flexible spot. He could be used as a swingman, which was the plan last year before the injury. With his ability to throw multiple innings and experience in both starting and relief roles, he’s the kind of arm that can bridge gaps, cover for injuries, and give the bullpen some breathing room.
Baltimore already has a pair of left-handers in Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns who can handle multi-inning roles. Suárez gives them a right-handed complement-someone who can come in and give you two, three, even four innings if needed. That kind of versatility is gold over a 162-game grind.
But Suárez brings more than just innings. His path-bouncing from the majors to international leagues and back again-makes him a valuable mentor in a young clubhouse.
He knows what it means to fight for a roster spot, to reinvent yourself, and to stay ready when opportunity knocks. For a team with several young arms trying to establish themselves, having a veteran like Suárez around could pay dividends beyond the box score.
A Tough Break for John Means
In other Orioles-related news, former Baltimore left-hander John Means suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier this week. He shared the news on Instagram, revealing that he was on the verge of signing with a new team when the injury occurred.
Means has had a tough run over the past few years. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022 and again in 2024, he’s made just 10 starts since 2022. He signed with Cleveland in February 2025 but never took the mound for the Guardians.
“I was finally enjoying my first healthy offseason in four years and felt better than ever,” Means wrote. “I don’t know why this happened or how this chapter will ultimately be used, but I know it’s now part of my story and God has a plan.”
It’s a heartbreaking setback for a pitcher who, when healthy, was a key part of Baltimore’s rotation. His no-hitter in 2021 remains one of the franchise’s most memorable moments of the past decade. Now, the hope is that Means can recover and get another shot down the line.
Looking Ahead
The Orioles’ pitching staff is still a work in progress as the offseason unfolds, but bringing back Albert Suárez adds a layer of depth and experience to the mix. If he’s healthy, he’s more than just a feel-good story-he’s someone who can help a contending team win games. And for a club with postseason aspirations, that kind of arm is always worth having around.