As we gear up for Opening Day, let's dive into the Baltimore Orioles and see what they might bring to the table this season. The O's had a rollercoaster ride over the past few years, and they're looking to bounce back from a tough 2025.
What's Happening with the Orioles?
The Orioles were flying high in 2023, winning 101 games and topping the AL East. They followed that with a solid 91-win season in 2024.
But last year, they took a nosedive, finishing last in the division with just 75 wins. It was a shock for a team that seemed poised to dominate the decade with young stars and savvy development.
After parting ways with manager Brandon Hyde, President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias aimed to retool. Unfortunately, 2025 was rough on both sides of the ball.
Their offense managed only 4.18 runs per game, ranking seventh worst in MLB, while the pitching staff allowed 4.86 runs per game, the sixth most. Clearly, there’s work to be done.
New Faces in Town
Pete Alonso: Known as "The Polar Bear," Alonso is here to bring the power. With a track record of hitting at least 34 home runs each season (except the shortened 2020), he's a force to be reckoned with.
Chris Bassitt: After letting ace Corbin Burnes walk in free agency, the Orioles brought in Bassitt. While he's not a direct replacement, his steady 3.89 ERA over three years in Toronto provides some much-needed stability.
Ryan Helsley: The former Cardinals closer struggled with the Mets but could be a bullpen asset if he regains his form.
Zach Eflin: Back with the Orioles after a down year, Eflin is looking to recapture his 2024 success post-trade.
The biggest offseason move was trading Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward. With Rodriguez starting 2026 on the IL, this might be a savvy swap, especially with Ward coming off a 36-homer season.
What to Expect?
FanGraphs projects the Orioles at 83.5 wins, slotting them into fourth place in the AL East. But predictions are just that-predictions.
There's potential for players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson to bounce back from subpar seasons. Henderson still posted a solid OPS and showcased speed with 30 steals.
Trevor Rogers is another bright spot, coming off a stellar season with a 1.81 ERA.
However, with tough competition from the Yankees, Red Sox, Jays, and the ever-competitive Rays, the Orioles have their work cut out for them. They're likely still a pitcher short, which could be a hurdle.
Fan Favorites and Foes
Most Likable Player: Pete Alonso's infectious love for the game makes him an instant fan favorite.
Least Likable Player: While it's all in good fun, Gunnar Henderson's strong performances against teams like Boston might make him a target for some playful rivalry.
Key Matchups with the Red Sox
Mark your calendars for these Orioles-Red Sox showdowns:
- April 24-26 in Baltimore
- June 2-4 in Boston
- July 20-22 in Boston
- September 3-6 in Baltimore
Season Outlook
The Orioles are a team brimming with potential but facing a pivotal season. While FanGraphs sees them as a .500 team, there's room for surprises if their offense clicks and the pitching holds steady. They're not down and out, but they'll need to rediscover some of that 2023 magic to make waves in 2026.