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After coming off a tremendous campaign the previous season, where they finished second with a 91-71 record, the Orioles failed to meet expectations in 2025. They ranked last in the division, amassing a 75-87 record. Their young core of Ryan Mountcastle, Adley Rutschman, and Colton Cowser took a step backwards. Jackson Holliday’s performance fell short of the performance you’d expect from the former number one prospect in baseball. In an “off year”, Gunnar Henderson generated 4.8 fWAR. Their rotation was plagued by injuries. Looking to remedy these issues, the Orioles front office rolled up its sleeves and quickly got to work in the offseason.
Orioles' Notable Offseason Moves
Kickstarting things, the Orioles acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for starter Grayson Rodriguez. Ward is coming off a career-high 36 home run season (.792 OPS, 117 wRC+). Though his batted ball and swing metrics aren’t too promising, he should fare well as a pull-heavy righty at Camden Yards.
As everyone guessed, the Orioles signed free-agent Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract. The Polar Bear adds even more thump to their lineup. Alonso can drive the ball all over the field. If you’re watching a game from the Flag Court in right field, watch out.
To address their pitching, the Orioles inked closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal. Helsley, who infamously turned into a pumpkin after joining the Mets at the trade deadline (7.00 ERA, 5.19 FIP across 20 IP), is looking to bounce back with the Orioles. They acquired starter Shane Baz from the Rays for a haul of prospects and a competitive-balance Round A pick. Baz, an oft-injured and inconsistent pitcher, looks to stay healthy in 2026. Around the start of spring training, they signed veteran Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million deal to solidify the back end of their rotation.
Projected Orioles Lineup (MLB.com)
- Gunnar Henderson, SS
- Taylor Ward, LF
- Adley Rutschman, C
- Pete Alonso, 1B
- Tyler O'Neill, RF
- Samuel Basallo, DH
- Blaze Alexander, 2B
- Colton Cowser, CF
- Coby Mayo, 3B
Thanks to their new acquisitions, the Orioles completely reworked the top of their lineup. If Adley Rutschman stays healthy, their one through four spots have the makings of a Murderers' Row. Injuries (neck, shoulder, and wrist) plagued outfielder Tyler O’Neill, limiting him to 54 games in 2025. When healthy, he can be a productive player. Ranked the Orioles' number one prospect, Samuel Basallo had a brief cup of coffee in the majors last year (.559 OPS, 55 wRC+ across 118 PAs). After inking an eight-year, $67 million extension, he looks to have a breakout season. Cowser, the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year runner-up, seeks to take a step forward and stay healthy after various IL stints and a sophomore slump (.655 OPS and 83 wRC+ across 360 PAs). Blaze Alexander (.706 OPS, 99 wRC+ across 266 PAs) fills in for starting second baseman Jackson Holliday, who was part of the wave of hamate injuries early in camp.
Projected Orioles Rotation (MLB.com)
- Trevor Rogers, LHP
- Kyle Bradish, RHP
- Shane Baz, RHP
- Chris Bassitt, RHP
- Zach Eflin, RHP / Dean Kremer, RHP
The Orioles enter the season with a solidified rotation. Trevor Rogers (17.5% K-BB%, 2.82 FIP) has proved to be a competent starter. Kyle Bradish (29.4% K-BB%, 2.45 FIP) looked sharp post-recovery from his June 2024 Tommy John surgery. A change of scenery could benefit Baz. Bassitt is a veteran presence with plenty of knowledge to impart to his younger teammates. Zach Eflin is a bit of a wild card due to his extensive injury history. Dean Kremer might be a safer option as a back-of-the-rotation innings eater. 26-year old Cade Povich was recently optioned to Triple-A and is an important depth piece whenever an injury arises.
The Verdict
The Orioles shored up their rotation, which was the biggest hole on their roster, and acquired more pop. The lack of a bona fide ace is a bit of a concern. However, the Orioles’ farm system wasn’t completely depleted after the Baz trade. If they're in the right position come the trade deadline, they could pursue a true number one or two starter.
As much as it pains me to say this as a Red Sox fan, don’t sleep on the Orioles.
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