Spring Is (Almost) Here: Orioles Grapefruit League Opener Nears as Roster Questions Loom
We’re just four days out from the Orioles’ first Grapefruit League game, and while the wins and losses won’t count yet, the stakes are already starting to feel real. Baltimore opens its spring slate this Friday at home against the Yankees, with the game set to air on MASN-one of 20 exhibition broadcasts this spring. And sure, it's technically a meaningless game, but after a long winter, there's nothing quite like seeing the boys back on the diamond.
But not all the early headlines out of Sarasota are sunshine and fastballs. The Orioles have already been hit with a couple of injury concerns, most notably to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg.
Westburg is aiming to return before Opening Day, though oblique injuries are notoriously tricky-one wrong twist and a timetable can stretch in a hurry. Holliday, meanwhile, is expected to miss the start of the season altogether.
That opens the door for Coby Mayo, who’s suddenly a name to watch as camp unfolds. With Pete Alonso now in the fold, the Orioles have a bit of a roster crunch at the corner infield spots. Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle are the two most impacted by the logjam, and both are reportedly on the trade block, according to a recent report from Ken Rosenthal.
Mayo, who’s been working out at third base, could force his way into the lineup if he shows enough defensively this spring. That’s a big “if,” considering there have long been questions about whether he can stick at the hot corner.
But if he can hold his own, the bat is intriguing enough to make things interesting. The Orioles don’t necessarily need him to be Nolan Arenado over there-they just need him to be good enough to keep his power in the lineup.
Mountcastle’s situation is a little more complicated. He’s coming off a rough year-injuries and inconsistency dragged down his production-and with only one year left before free agency, his trade value isn’t exactly sky-high.
In fact, it was a bit of a surprise when the Orioles tendered him a contract this offseason. Still, even if the return is minimal, moving Mountcastle could help clear the positional traffic jam at first base and designated hitter.
As for Mayo, his value is more about potential than production at this point. He’s not a finished product, but he’s got the kind of pop that makes teams dream.
If the Orioles do decide to move him, he’d likely fetch more than Mountcastle in a deal-but even then, the return might not match the ceiling Mayo still has. The front office has to weigh that upside against the current roster fit.
It’s a classic case of timing: when a player’s future value might not align with the team’s present needs.
Rotation Watch: Questions and Competition
Zooming out to the pitching staff, Kyle Bradish is expected to be on an innings limit this season, which makes sense given his workload and the long-term investment the Orioles are making in his arm. But it also underscores the uncertainty surrounding this year’s rotation. There’s talent, no doubt-but there are also question marks.
Zach Eflin, one of the newer faces in the mix, is already setting the tone with a competitive mindset. He’s talked about how the rotation is going to push each other every day, and that kind of internal competition could be exactly what this group needs to take the next step.
Kjerstad’s Comeback Trail
Then there’s Heston Kjerstad-a name that’s been on fans’ radars for years now, though his journey has been anything but smooth. After missing significant time in 2025, Kjerstad is finally healthy again, though he’s keeping the details of his absence under wraps.
The former first-round pick has had a stop-and-start career so far, but if he can find his footing, he still has the tools to make an impact. The Orioles aren’t counting on him just yet-but if he forces his way into the picture, it would be a welcome surprise.
Inside the System: Anthony Villa Talks Player Development
For those keeping tabs on the farm system, Orioles Director of Player Development Anthony Villa recently joined Steve Melewski’s podcast to talk about the organization’s approach to grooming talent. With so many young players knocking on the door, it’s a timely conversation as the front office looks to balance development with the demands of a contending roster.
A Look Back: Orioles Birthdays and Baseball History
If today’s your birthday, you’re in good company. Four former Orioles share the date, including Terry Crowley, who turns 79.
Crowley carved out a 15-year career in the big leagues, mostly as a pinch hitter, and later served as the Orioles’ hitting coach for over a decade. From 1977 to 1981, he hit .314 in pinch-hit situations-an impressive mark in one of baseball’s toughest roles.
Also celebrating today: Jorge Rondon (38), Tommy Milone (39), and Eric Byrnes (50).
And on this day in baseball history:
- In 1952, Honus Wagner officially retired at age 77, capping off 55 years in the game as a player and coach.
- In 1989, Orel Hershiser became MLB’s first $3 million-a-year man, signing a three-year, $7.9 million deal with the Dodgers.
- And in 2004, the Texas Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees, just three years into his 10-year mega-deal.
Final Thoughts
With spring training heating up, the Orioles are entering a critical stretch-not just for roster battles, but for setting the tone of a season that comes with real expectations. Injuries, positional logjams, and trade rumors are all part of the early narrative, but the core of this team remains strong. And with a few key decisions on the horizon, the next few weeks could shape the direction of the season.
Baseball’s back. Let’s see what the Birds bring to the table.