Boldly speaking, the question of whether the Orioles can emerge as a formidable playoff contender remains open – and the answer right now is no. The excitement around spring training, just six weeks away, is palpable, especially after Mike Elias, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, has taken significant steps to bolster the starting rotation and enhance the lineup with some impressive power hitters. However, it's essential to temper those dreams for the time being.
The Orioles undoubtedly possess sufficient talent to escape the basement of the AL East, yet much of that talent was also a contributing factor to their struggles during a disappointing 2025 season, which was marred by injuries and underwhelming performances from key players who are crucial for a successful return to playoff contention.
Elias, alongside majority owner David Rubenstein, has upheld their commitment to investing in the team. This offseason saw the addition of star slugger Pete Alonso, who was signed to a hefty $155 million deal, along with a significant investment of $28 million in potential closer Ryan Helsley. Moreover, they allocated $10 million to rehabilitate starter Zach Eflin, traded valuable minor league assets to bring in starter Shane Baz, and exchanged starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez for power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward.
This strategic approach has already made the offseason feel promising, and the front office is still on the lookout for an ace starter and more relief pitching to further solidify the roster.
If these additions come to fruition, the prospects of recapturing the magic experienced during the 2023 season will certainly improve, but achieving a strong playoff run hinges on the Orioles steering clear of the pitfalls that transformed 2025 into a letdown for fans who expected the team to become a consistent pennant challenger.
The changes made by Elias to the coaching staff could prove just as critical as the star players brought in. New hitting coach Dustin Lind, along with assistant Brady North, face the challenge of determining why Colton Cowser, who finished as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2024, struggled significantly at the plate after recovering from a serious hand injury suffered early last season. If Cowser can regain the form that made him a standout rookie while also performing reliably in center field, it would significantly strengthen the newly adjusted batting order.
Gunnar Henderson’s performance during the 2025 season was quite commendable overall; however, he failed to maintain the level of impact that had made him a candidate for the American League MVP in 2024. A decline in his production was somewhat expected after such an outstanding previous season, but it’s clear that the left-handed-heavy Oriole lineup struggled against quality left-handed pitching, affecting his output.
This concern has been addressed with the arrivals of both Alonso and Ward, which should dissuade opposing teams from stacking their lineups with lefties against the Orioles this coming year. Additionally, this boost should enable Cowser and emerging talent Jackson Holliday to reach their full potential.
The enhancements to both the offense and pitching staff should also provide the Orioles with protection against a repeat of the slew of serious injuries that plagued the team from mid-2024 through late summer of 2025. Nevertheless, Elias and new manager Craig Albernaz still have some critical tasks ahead in building a robust bullpen after parting ways with Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, Andrew Kittredge, and Bryan Baker during the last season.
Kittredge has returned to the Orioles and is expected to join Yennier Cano and Helsley as key late-inning pitchers. The roles of potential starter/swingmen Tyler Wells and Albert Suárez on Opening Day remain undecided.
Lastly, even with the enhanced depth, the Orioles must secure full seasons from Jordan Westburg, Wells, and Kyle Bradish, all while fans hope that Tyler O’Neill can avoid the injured list long enough to participate in at least 100 games.
From your lips to the baseball gods’ ears!
