Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of baseball! We're about to dive into a way-too-early analysis of the upcoming Opening Day roster for the Orioles, and trust me, it's going to be an exciting ride!
With just nine days until 2026, baseball fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the season. Spring training games are set to begin on February 20th, and Opening Day is scheduled for March 26th, leaving us with a tantalizing three-month wait. The offseason is still in full swing, and only half of MLB's top 50 free agents have found their new teams.
But here's where it gets interesting... I'm bored, and I think it's time to take a speculative look at the potential Opening Day lineup for the Orioles, based on their recent moves and the areas they still need to address.
Let's start with the starting rotation. As it stands, we could see Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells taking the mound. This has the potential to be a formidable top three, and Kremer and Wells could provide solid support from the back end. However, the Orioles shouldn't rest on their laurels, and it seems they won't. They're rumored to be aggressively pursuing one of the remaining top starters: Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, or Tatsuya Imai. If they succeed, it could elevate their rotation from good to great, with Wells potentially moving to the bullpen.
Now, onto the bullpen, which is a bit more challenging to predict. We have new closer Ryan Helsley, the returning setup man Andrew Kittredge, and veteran lefty Keegan Akin. Based on their performances last season, I'd include Dietrich Enns, Rico Garcia, and Kade Strowd, but they're not guaranteed spots. There are other options like Grant Wolfram and Colin Selby, and Yennier Cano is still in the mix despite a rough 2025. Long relief could be covered by Cade Povich, Brandon Young, or Albert Suárez. The bullpen seems to be missing that reliable veteran presence, so the Orioles might be exploring free agent options to fill that gap.
Moving on to the position players, the Orioles seem to have an abundance of talent, making it a tough task to narrow down to a 13-man crew. The starting infield is set with Pete Alonso, Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and Jordan Westburg. Outfield options are plentiful too, with Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, Tyler O'Neill, Dylan Beavers, and Leody Taveras. However, only Taveras is a natural center fielder, so Cowser is likely to get the nod there, with Ward in left and O'Neill and Beavers battling for right field.
Adley Rutschman is expected to handle the majority of catching duties, with Samuel Basallo providing backup and also seeing time as the designated hitter. The remaining three spots are up for grabs. Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo are both talented, but with Alonso likely to play every day as a right-handed 1B/DH, it's hard to see how they can all fit. Who will be the backup infielder? Jeremiah Jackson showed promise with the bat last season, but his defense needs work. The Orioles' front office has some tough decisions to make to address these roster imbalances.
So, despite the Orioles' impressive offseason moves, they're not quite there yet. Based on their aggressive approach so far, it's likely they'll fill most of these gaps by the time March rolls around.
And this is the part most people miss... the Orioles' history and birthdays!
Today, we celebrate the birthday of the late outfielder Dave May, born on December 23, 1943. May spent the first four years of his MLB career with the Orioles from 1967-70, and his son, Derrick, followed in his footsteps, playing for the team in 1999.
On this date in 1980, the Orioles signed veteran outfielder Jim Dwyer, known as "Pig Pen," who became a valuable bench player for eight seasons. He even contributed a home run in the 1983 World Series!
In 1995, the Orioles brought Billy Ripken back to Baltimore as a free agent. Billy had started his career with the team from 1987-92, playing alongside his brother Cal Jr., and managed by their father, Cal Sr. He then spent time with the Rangers and Indians before returning home.
And on this date in 2013, the Orioles claimed right-hander Liam Hendriks off waivers from the Cubs. Hendriks, an Australian native, was an ineffective starter at the time, but he later became a three-time All-Star closer.
So, there you have it! A way-too-early look at the Orioles' Opening Day roster, a glimpse into their history, and a birthday celebration. What do you think? Are the Orioles on the right track? Will they surprise us with their moves this offseason? Let's discuss in the comments!
