The Orioles have been making waves this offseason, pulling in some big names like Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz, and the five-time All-Star Pete Alonso. These additions promise to boost their lineup significantly, but it's crucial not to overlook the returning players who form the backbone of the team. Unfortunately, there's some troubling news about one of last year's key contributors.
Jordan Westburg, a vital piece of the Orioles' puzzle, is facing a potential setback with an elbow injury. Despite Baltimore's impressive depth heading into the 2026 season, losing Westburg from their everyday lineup would be a significant blow. According to Orioles insider Jake Rill, the 27-year-old infielder is "physically unable to participate" at the team's camp, raising concerns about his availability.
Westburg, a Texas native, was a first-round pick for the Orioles in the 2020 draft. His college years at Mississippi State, where he played alongside former Rays outfielder Jake Mangum, likely fueled his MLB dreams.
He moved through the minors swiftly, despite flying somewhat under the radar as the No. 74 prospect. His performance was anything but quiet, though, with a .281 average and 65 home runs across 331 minor league games, translating to a pace of about 32 homers per season.
Since his call-up in 2023, Westburg has been a steady presence at third base for the Orioles. His .264 career average over three MLB seasons is impressive, especially considering the caliber of pitchers he faces regularly in the AL East, like Gerrit Cole, Garrett Crochet, and Kevin Gausman.
This injury concern is a tough pill for Orioles fans to swallow, especially given the team's recent struggles to keep their young talent healthy. Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, also faced early injury setbacks. The Orioles have had a hard time fielding a full-strength squad.
Here's hoping for a swift recovery for Westburg, so the Orioles can face the AL East at full power. The team's potential is undeniable, and fans are eager to see them at their best.