With spring training about seven weeks out, the Orioles’ offseason work is far from done. There’s still plenty of roster movement expected, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start connecting some dots and asking the important questions as Sarasota inches closer. From rotation depth to positional battles and potential breakout candidates, there’s a lot to keep an eye on.
How many starting pitchers will be in the mix?
If there’s one thing we know about Mike Elias, it’s that he likes to stockpile starting pitching options heading into camp - and this year’s no different. The Orioles already have a solid group of arms lined up, with Shane Baz now in the fold alongside Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, Trevor Rogers, and Tyler Wells.
That’s a strong core, but don’t be surprised to see Cade Povich and Brandon Young logging significant innings this spring as well. Both are expected to get a real look as potential depth options.
And while the top of the rotation is coming into focus, the front office is still likely to add another starter before February rolls around. That’s been the trend under Elias - keep the competition healthy and deep.
Also keep an eye on some of the arms ticketed for Triple-A Norfolk. Guys like Nestor German, Trey Gibson, Levi Wells, and Cameron Weston could get invites to big league camp. Even if they’re not in the Opening Day picture, these are the types of pitchers who can make an impression in March and earn a call-up later in the year.
What’s the latest with Heston Kjerstad?
One of the biggest question marks heading into spring is Heston Kjerstad. He’s been mostly absent from offseason chatter, and didn’t play for Norfolk after July 25. But he’s still on the 40-man roster, and Elias gave a glimpse into his status back on September 29.
“Heston has been working with our doctors and other doctors on a medical condition,” Elias said at the time. “He’s responded favorably to some treatment and some different treatments that they’ve done recently and he’s in a good spot right now and pointed in the right direction. We’re going to see him in spring training, and I’m really looking forward to that, because we missed the real Heston Kjerstad this year.”
That’s encouraging news. Kjerstad’s bat has always been intriguing, and if he’s healthy, he could still be a factor in the outfield picture.
But with Taylor Ward and Leody Taveras joining the roster and Reed Trimble added to the 40-man, the competition is getting crowded. If Kjerstad wants to carve out a role, he’ll need a strong spring to get back into the mix.
Could Coby Mayo shift to the outfield?
With Pete Alonso now officially in the fold, the path to playing time at first base just got a lot narrower for Coby Mayo. He spent a good chunk of last year working at the position, hoping to expand his versatility. But now, the Orioles are looking at other ways to get his bat into the lineup.
“There is still a lot of playing time available for him on a team that has Pete Alonso now,” Elias said. “We have first base reps, we have designated hitter reps, and the exploration of other positions - whether it’s third or something in the corner outfield - has been something we’ve always talked about with him. So the path remains open for him.”
That’s a clear signal that the Orioles are open to trying Mayo in the outfield - likely left or right. His original position was third base, but with Jordan Westburg healthy and entrenched, there’s not much room there either. Designated hitter remains a possibility, but if Mayo can handle a corner outfield spot, that could be his clearest route to regular at-bats.
Who’s heading to the World Baseball Classic?
The WBC is back, and a few Orioles are already lined up to represent their countries. Gunnar Henderson is set to suit up for Team USA, while Dean Kremer will pitch for Team Israel.
As for Alonso, he was asked about the WBC on Foul Territory earlier this week and said he hasn’t been contacted yet, but he’s all in if the call comes.
“I’d love to do it. It’s a sick tournament,” Alonso said.
“It’s a great event. I think it’s phenomenal for the sport.”
That’s the kind of enthusiasm you love to hear from a player who’s already worn the red, white, and blue. Whether he gets the nod or not, it’s clear the WBC is something he values - and it’s a great showcase for the sport’s top talent.
How many non-roster players will be in camp?
The Orioles have made a habit of bringing a large group of non-roster invitees to spring training, and this year should be no different. Last spring, they brought in 30 - and 12 of them ended up playing in the majors during the season. That’s a pretty solid return.
Among the likely invitees this year:
- Enrique Bradfield Jr., the speedy outfielder who was on hand last spring and continues to develop.
- Luis Vázquez, who got into 32 games with the Orioles last season and provides infield depth.
- Ryan Noda, a first baseman/outfielder who offers some left-handed pop.
- Albert Suárez, who impressed in 2024 spring training and pitched in 32 games that season.
He only appeared in five games in 2025 but recently signed a minor league deal and could be back in camp.
Also expected back is Maverick Handley, the catcher who’s been a non-roster invitee the past two years. He played in 16 games for the Orioles in 2025 and figures to be back in the mix this spring.
There’s still plenty of time for the Orioles to make moves, and the roster we see in Sarasota won’t be the final version. But the early storylines are already taking shape: a crowded rotation, intriguing young bats trying to find their place, and a few veterans looking to make one more run at a big-league job. Spring training can’t come soon enough.