As Opening Day approaches, Orioles fans have reasons to be hopeful. After a challenging 2025 season, Baltimore is looking to bounce back, especially with the exciting offseason additions of five-time All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso and power-hitting left fielder Taylor Ward. If the team can dodge the injury bug-despite early setbacks with Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg-and see some young players step up, the Orioles could boast one of the American League's most formidable offenses.
While the Orioles didn’t secure a top-tier starter this winter, their rotation is brimming with potential. Trevor Rogers, who dazzled in the latter half of 2025, takes the mound on Opening Day.
Kyle Bradish, with a solid 3.47 career ERA, is ready for his first full season since 2023. Shane Baz, a newcomer with ace-like potential akin to Grayson Rodriguez, has managed to stay healthy, adding depth to the rotation.
And though 37-year-old Chris Bassitt may not be the ideal postseason starter, his knack for inducing ground balls and eating innings is invaluable for a team with playoff aspirations.
New manager Craig Albernaz has made a positive impression in his first camp, focusing on intangibles and fundamentals-areas where the team struggled last year.
But what about the bullpen? That's where Orioles fans might need to hold their breath. The team traded away multiple relievers at last year’s deadline and lost former All-Star closer Felix Bautista to a shoulder injury, sidelining him for most or all of 2026.
The acquisition of two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley on a two-year, $28 million deal could be a steal if his previous struggles were indeed due to tipping pitches. However, if Helsley doesn’t deliver, the bullpen's effectiveness becomes a big question mark.
Baltimore is banking on Helsley to anchor a bullpen that faces challenges. Andrew Kittredge’s right shoulder inflammation, while not deemed serious, highlights the team's reliance on him for high-leverage situations. In a 162-game season, a contender needs multiple reliable arms for crucial moments, not just a couple of go-to relievers.
Who else can the Orioles count on in 2026? Lefty Keegan Akin has proven himself with consecutive sub-3.50 ERA seasons and showed promise in late-inning roles last year.
Tyler Wells, despite limited bullpen experience since 2021, could be a high-leverage option if he stays healthy. Yennier Cano, a 2023 All-Star, needs to bounce back from a rough 6.27 ERA over his last 53 appearances, though he does have a minor-league option if needed.
Dietrich Enns and Rico Garcia are likely to make the Opening Day roster after strong showings last year. However, relying on these 30-something journeymen based on late-season performances for a last-place team is risky. The Orioles must avoid overvaluing spring training and September stats.
If Kittredge starts on the injured list, the bullpen depth is further tested. Options like Grant Wolfram, Albert Suarez, Jackson Kowar, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Jose Espada are in the mix. But as former manager Buck Showalter would ask, is this real depth or just inventory?
While there’s potential for some hidden gems, the prospect of relying heavily on non-prospects from the minors isn’t ideal for a contender. The debate around veteran starter Zach Eflin and the possibility of a six-man rotation highlights the bullpen’s uncertainty.
Mike Elias can bolster the bullpen as the season progresses, but the Orioles can’t afford early losses, especially in the competitive AL East. With Opening Day nearing, we’ll soon see if these bullpen concerns hold water or if Baltimore can truly contend this season.