Spring Arrives in Sarasota: Orioles Pitchers, Catchers Report as Rotation Questions Linger
The calendar still says February, but in Sarasota, the signs of spring are unmistakable. Orioles pitchers and catchers have officially reported, and with that, baseball is back in motion. The offseason chatter is giving way to live bullpen sessions, early workouts, and the first glimpses of what this 2026 Orioles squad might become.
The club’s Instagram feed gave fans a peek at the early arrivals, with a mix of familiar faces and fresh arms already getting to work. Among the first to report: Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, and Yennier Cano-key contributors from last year’s staff. They were joined by intriguing names like Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers, and Ryan Helsley, as well as younger arms like Samuel Basallo, Trey Gibson, and Yaramil Hiraldo.
There was also a Rutschman sighting-because of course there was. Adley’s presence is a reminder that this team’s core remains intact and hungry. Keegan Akin, Rico Garcia, Cade Povich, Maverick Handley, and Dietrich Enns were also spotted, rounding out a group that’s already laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
Rotation Still in Flux
While the return of baseball is reason enough to be optimistic, there’s still a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the Orioles’ rotation plans. One piece of that puzzle was removed Tuesday when Justin Verlander officially chose to return to Detroit, where he spent the first 13 seasons of his career. A sentimental move for him-less so for Baltimore, which had been loosely linked to the veteran righty.
That leaves the Orioles still searching for potential reinforcements. According to a report, Baltimore remains among the teams in the mix for free agent Zac Gallen. But it’s worth noting that this same report also prematurely linked Gallen to the Cubs back in December, so any updates on that front should be taken with a grain-or maybe a boulder-of salt.
Executive VP and GM Mike Elias addressed the media and made it clear the front office is still monitoring the market. “Plugged in,” in his words.
But he also expressed confidence in the current group, calling the rotation “very strong and very talented.” That sounds a lot like a team willing to wait things out and see what the market-or the season-brings.
It’s a familiar approach for Elias, who has shown a preference for in-season trades over big-ticket free agent deals. That strategy only works, of course, if the team stays in the hunt long enough to justify buying at the deadline.
Last year, that gamble didn’t quite pay off. This year’s roster looks better equipped to handle the early months, but baseball has a way of testing even the best-laid plans.
The Youth Movement (and the Waiting Game)
Part of that plan hinges on the development of the Orioles’ young arms. We’ve already seen flashes from Cade Povich and Brandon Young-both capable of filling in when needed, but not necessarily rotation staples just yet. Next up in the pipeline: Trey Gibson and Luis De León.
Gibson is likely to get his shot sometime this season, possibly as early as mid-summer. If he delivers on his promise, the conversation around adding another starter could shift quickly.
De León may be a year behind, but there’s buzz around his long-term upside. Both pitchers could be in the rotation by 2027, but that doesn’t help much if the team is trying to win now.
That’s the tightrope Elias and the Orioles are walking-balancing the long-term development of their arms with the very real opportunity in front of them. The American League isn’t getting any easier, and standing pat only works if the internal options are ready to rise.
Around the Complex
New manager Craig Albernaz is overseeing his first spring as skipper, and unsurprisingly, he’s projecting confidence. It’s day one-every team feels like a contender right now.
But Albernaz isn’t just offering clichés. He’s got a roster with legitimate talent and depth, and he knows expectations are higher than ever.
One name drawing attention is Coby Mayo. His future in Baltimore seems murkier after the recent acquisition of Blaze Alexander.
Mayo hasn’t been moved, which suggests the team still sees value-but how he fits into the infield mix is an open question. Elias noted that Mayo will be moving around this spring, seeing time at first base, third base, and even in the corner outfield.
That kind of versatility could be key, especially if injuries or trades shake up the roster.
And speaking of trades, Elias once again hinted that if the Orioles do make a pitching addition, it’s more likely to come via trade than free agency. He’s never been one to spend big on arms unless there’s a discount involved. That philosophy hasn’t changed.
Birthday Notes from Birdland
A few Orioles alums are celebrating birthdays today:
- Gregory Soto turns 31. The lefty reliever spent parts of 2024 and 2025 with the Orioles, posting a 4.33 ERA over 68 appearances before being traded to the Mets. He’s now with the Pirates.
- César Cabral turns 37. His time in Baltimore was brief-just two games in 2015-but he made it to The Show, and that’s no small feat.
- Brian Matusz, who passed away in 2025, would have turned 39 today. A former fourth overall pick in 2008, Matusz transitioned to the bullpen early in his career and became one of the league’s better lefty specialists. He was especially dominant against Hall of Famer David Ortiz, holding Big Papi to a 4-for-29 line with 13 strikeouts.
- Matt Lindstrom is 46. The hard-throwing reliever appeared in 34 games for the Orioles in 2012 before being dealt to Arizona in the trade that brought Joe Saunders to Baltimore-a move that paid dividends in the postseason.
So here we are. The grass is getting greener, the gloves are popping, and the rotation questions are still lingering. But baseball is back in Sarasota, and that’s enough-for now.