As the dust settles on the Super Bowl, 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 the Orioles' lineup look like come Opening Day? Let’s dive into the offseason moves, the spring training roster, and the intriguing storylines that could shape the team’s future.
The Orioles’ pitchers and catchers are set to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Tuesday, with their first workout scheduled for Wednesday. Before we leap into the Sarasota sun, let’s recap the offseason and explore what the next six weeks of workouts and games might reveal.
The 40-man roster currently stands at 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. And this is the part most people miss: Kittredge, despite being on the roster last year, was traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline and then reacquired in early November—a move that raises eyebrows about the team’s long-term strategy.
Foster, Nunez, and Trimble earned their spots through promotions from the minor leagues, while Baz arrived via a trade with Tampa Bay, costing the Orioles four prospects and a draft pick. Ward was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, a deal that sparked debate among fans. Alexander, meanwhile, joined the Orioles last week in a trade with Arizona, sending reliever Kade Strowd and two prospects the other way. 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—including Albert Suárez, Ryan Noda, and Jhonkensy Noel—are among the 31 non-roster players invited to spring training, giving them a second chance to impress.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Félix Bautista, a key member of the 40-man roster, will be transferred to the 60-day injured list after undergoing labrum and rotator cuff surgery, likely sidelining him for most, if not all, of the season. Helsley was signed as his replacement, but does this move signal a larger shift in the team’s pitching strategy? And with president of baseball operations Mike Elias still scouting for starters and relievers, more roster moves are almost certain.
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), and Tyler O’Neill (Canada) are among those who will be away, raising questions about team cohesion and preparation. Is this a blessing in disguise, or will it disrupt the Orioles’ momentum?
One of the most pressing questions this winter revolves around Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo, both first basemen, and how their positions will be affected by the arrival of Pete Alonso. With the surprising acquisition 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 trade opening up a spot, who will step into the bullpen? Helsley, Kittredge, Keegan Akin, and Dietrich Enns are the top contenders, but Yennier Cano, one of the few with options, could also factor in—either in the majors or at Triple-A Norfolk.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: If Rico Garcia pitches well for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, could it boost his chances of starting with the Orioles? Or will the lack of exposure during spring training hurt his prospects? Similarly, players like Albert Suárez, who can fill multiple roles, and Enrique Bradfield, who could thrive under the pressure of the WBC, may find themselves in unexpected positions come Opening Day.
For pitchers like Cade Povich, Brandon Young, Yaramil Hiraldo, and Grant Wolfram, who spent significant time with the Orioles last season, spring training is a make-or-break moment. Will they secure a spot on the team, or will they be overlooked in favor of new talent? And what about Chayce McDermott, who was converted to a reliever late last season? His progress could be a game-changer.
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 the season was overshadowed by Alexander’s arrival? With options still available, Jackson remains a valuable asset, but will he get the playing time he needs?
Sam Huff, signed last month, could be the third catcher behind Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo, but will he see significant action? And with Alexander, Alonso, Baz, Helsley, and Ward bringing strong reputations to the clubhouse, how will team dynamics evolve?
The Orioles’ new manager, Craig Albernaz, and his seven coaches—including Donnie Ecker (bench) and Dustin Lind (hitting)—will have their hands full shaping this roster. Position players are set to report by February 15th, with the first official workout the next day, and the team’s Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees on February 20th. MASN will broadcast a record 20 spring training games, giving fans an unprecedented look at the team’s progress.
So, what’s your take? Are the Orioles building a contender, or is this just another year of transition? Let us know in the comments below! For more insights and to submit your questions, email me at [emailprotected]. Let’s make this spring training one to remember!
