Orioles’ Non-Roster Invites Highlight Depth Concerns as Spring Training Nears
With spring training just around the corner, teams across the league are starting to reveal their non-roster invitees-those players who weren’t on the 40-man roster but will get a shot to turn heads in camp. For the Baltimore Orioles, that list is now public, and it offers a glimpse into both their offseason priorities and lingering organizational questions.
Baltimore extended invites to 30 players, a mix of minor-league signees and internal prospects. On the surface, it’s standard spring procedure. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear this group says more about what the Orioles don’t have than what they do.
A Major League Focus, a Minor League Gap
Baltimore’s front office has been aggressive this offseason-but almost exclusively at the major league level. That tracks with the pressure they’re under.
After a frustrating 2025 campaign, expectations are sky-high heading into 2026. The additions of Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Taylor Ward, and Shane Baz signal a clear win-now mindset, and with GM Mike Elias potentially on the hot seat, there’s little room for error.
But the non-roster list is a reminder that while the top of the roster has been addressed, organizational depth remains a concern. Outside of the 26-man roster, the talent drop-off is noticeable. And as any contender knows, depth isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity over a 162-game grind.
Pitching: A Few Names to Watch
Of the 30 players invited, 15 are pitchers. That’s where things get interesting.
Baltimore’s bullpen isn’t fully locked in, and spring is often where dark horse relievers earn their shot. One name to circle: Enoli Paredes.
He quietly posted a 1.74 ERA in 17 appearances with the Brewers in 2024. If he’s healthy and sharp this spring, he could be a sleeper candidate to grab a bullpen spot.
Spring is also a proving ground for arms who’ve bounced around or are coming off injury-guys who may not have a clear path on paper but can force the conversation with strong outings in Sarasota.
Catcher Crowd, Prospect Spotlight
The Orioles are bringing five catchers to camp as non-roster invitees, which is a bit of a head-scratcher. With Adley Rutschman entrenched as the starter and depth behind him already in place, it’s hard to see a clear path for any of the invitees to crack the roster. Still, extra catchers are useful in camp for managing innings and bullpens, so some of this could simply be logistical.
Among the position players, one name jumps off the page: Enrique Bradfield Jr. The top prospect gets his first taste of big-league camp, and while he’s not expected to break camp with the team, the experience matters.
Bradfield still needs time at Triple-A, but getting reps alongside Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and now Alonso is a valuable step in his development. It’s not about making the roster-it’s about learning how to carry yourself like you belong.
Time Running Out for One More Move?
The Orioles’ offseason might not be finished just yet. There’s still buzz that Elias could have one more move in the works before the team heads south.
And frankly, they could use it. Whether it’s another bullpen arm, a utility bat, or insurance in the rotation, Baltimore’s margin for error is thin.
The non-roster list only reinforces that.
Spring training is about opportunity-for both the team and the long shots trying to make a name for themselves. For the Orioles, it’s also about proving that the moves they didn’t make this winter won’t come back to haunt them.
In the meantime, the countdown to Sarasota is on. And for a few of these non-roster invitees, it’s the beginning of a fight to make the most of their shot.