As the Super Bowl fades into memory, baseball fans are buzzing with anticipation for the start of spring training, and the Baltimore Orioles are no exception. But here's the burning question: With a roster in flux and a slew of new faces, what will this season hold for the Orioles? Let’s dive into the offseason moves, the spring training lineup, and the lingering questions that have fans on the edge of their seats.
The Orioles’ pitchers and catchers are set to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex this Tuesday, with their first workout kicking off on Wednesday. Before we leap into the future, let’s take a moment to unpack the offseason and preview the nearly six weeks of workouts and games in Sarasota. And this is the part most people miss: the intricate dance of roster moves, player acquisitions, and strategic decisions that could shape the team’s trajectory.
Currently, the 40-man roster boasts 39 players, with ten new additions: pitchers Shane Baz, Cameron Foster, Anthony Nunez, Ryan Helsley, and Andrew Kittredge; first baseman Pete Alonso; utility infielder Blaze Alexander; and outfielders Leody Taveras, Reed Trimble, and Taylor Ward. Controversially, some fans are already debating whether these moves will pay off or if the team is spreading itself too thin.
Among these newcomers, Kittredge is no stranger—he was on the roster last year but was traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline, only to return in early November. Foster, Nunez, and Trimble earned their spots through promotions from the minor leagues, while Baz arrived via a trade with Tampa Bay in exchange for four prospects and a draft pick. Ward joined the Orioles from the Los Angeles Angels in a deal for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. Alexander, acquired just last week, came from Arizona in exchange for reliever Kade Strowd and two prospects. Alonso, Helsley, and Taveras were signed as free agents, adding depth and experience to the roster.
Since the start of free agency, 15 players have been removed from the 40-man roster, including Maverick Handley, Pedro Léon, and Marco Luciano, among others. Interestingly, eight of these players—Albert Suárez, Handley, Ryan Noda, Jhonkensy Noel, Will Robertson, Luis Vázquez, Josh Walker, and Weston Wilson—are among the 31 non-roster players invited to spring training. This raises the question: Are the Orioles hedging their bets or simply exploring all options?
Félix Bautista, who remains on the 40-man roster, will be transferred to the 60-day injured list as he recovers from labrum and rotator cuff surgery, likely sidelining him for most, if not all, of the season. Helsley was signed to fill the void left by Bautista’s absence. With president of baseball operations Mike Elias still on the hunt for starters and relievers, expect more roster moves in the coming weeks.
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) adds another layer of complexity, as several Orioles players will miss part of spring training to represent their countries. Gunnar Henderson (USA), Dean Kremer (Israel), Tyler O’Neill (Canada), Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Panama), Vázquez, Jose Espada, and Rico Garcia (Puerto Rico) will be away, leaving the team to adjust on the fly. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will their absence hurt the team’s chemistry, or will it provide an opportunity for lesser-known players to shine?**
Non-roster players will have a chance to impress before the regular season begins, and one of the most pressing questions this winter revolves around Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo. Both play first base, a position now occupied by Pete Alonso. With the surprising addition of Blaze Alexander, it seems unlikely that both Mayo and Mountcastle will make the Opening Day roster. What do you think? Should the Orioles prioritize youth or experience at first base?
The rotation and bullpen also remain in flux. Who will join the starting lineup? Will Tyler Wells be a starter or a reliever? And with Strowd’s recent trade, another spot in the bullpen has opened up. Helsley, Kittredge, Keegan Akin, and Dietrich Enns are currently the top relievers, unless Wells is moved to the bullpen. Yennier Cano, one of the few players with options remaining, could start the season in the bullpen or at Triple-A Norfolk.
Rico Garcia’s situation is particularly intriguing. If Team Puerto Rico advances in the WBC, will his lack of exposure with the Orioles hurt his chances of making the roster? Or could a standout performance in the tournament boost his prospects? Is the WBC a blessing or a curse for players like Garcia?
Albert Suárez is another wildcard. His versatility—bulk relief, short relief, or emergency starter—makes him a valuable asset. Meanwhile, Enrique Bradfield Jr. could benefit from the high-pressure environment of the WBC. If he stays healthy and performs well, he could be a late-season asset for the Orioles.
Pitchers like Cade Povich, Brandon Young, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Grant Wolfram, who spent significant time with the Orioles last season, will be looking to make their mark this spring. Will they earn a spot on the team? And what about Chayce McDermott, who was converted to a reliever late last season? His progress will be closely watched.
Leody Taveras, signed for $2 million with no options remaining, seems like a safe bet to stick with the team. But what about Jeremiah Jackson, whose strong finish to last season was overshadowed by the addition of Alexander? With options remaining, Jackson remains a valuable piece, but his role is far from certain. Should the Orioles prioritize potential or proven performance?
Sam Huff, signed last month, could be the third catcher behind Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo, but will he see significant playing time? New additions like Alexander, Alonso, Baz, Helsley, and Ward bring strong reputations, which should bolster the clubhouse dynamic.
On Monday, we’ll get a first look at the Orioles’ upgraded spring training facility, another factor that could contribute to the team’s success. Position players are scheduled to report by February 15th, with the first official workout the following day. The team’s first Grapefruit League game is set for February 20th against the New York Yankees, and MASN will broadcast a record 20 spring training games.
The Orioles’ new manager, Craig Albernaz, along with seven new coaches—Donnie Ecker (bench), Dustin Lind (hitting), Brady North (assistant hitting), Craig Bourgeois (first base), Miguel Cairo (infield), Hank Conger (bullpen), and Joe Singley (catching)—will welcome the team this week. With so many moving parts, this spring promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
What’s your take on the Orioles’ offseason moves? Do you think they’ve set themselves up for success, or are there too many question marks? Let us know in the comments below!
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