BALTIMORE – There’s a new manager and a new superstar. There is a new player development complex. There is even a “New Oriole Way” according to this new superstar.
Spring training in Sarasota, Fla., is going to have a new vibe — and it’s almost here.
On Monday, the Orioles will unveil their $21 million, 42,500-square-foot player development facility, which was added to their Ed Smith Stadium complex. Then, pitchers and catchers will report on Tuesday, with their first practice taking place on Wednesday.
Manager Craig Albernaz will set the tone for his first camp, especially once full team workouts begin on February 16. Star first baseman Pete Alonso will also be there to lead.
As the buzz and excitement for the 2026 season continues to build, here are some hot topics surrounding the O’s entry camp.
Is the rotation mix finalized?
Eight pitchers on Baltimore’s 40-man roster will compete for rotation spots this spring, while several potential non-roster invitees (like Albert Suárez and prospect Trey Gibson) could also be in the mix. So there are already more weapons than slots available.
But the O’s could still add another starter. They missed out on Framber Valdez, but right-handers Zac Gallen, Justin Verlander and Chris Bassitt are among those still unsigned.
At this point, the Orioles rotation would consist of Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin, who is coming off back surgery. (If Eflin starts the season on injured reserve, then Tyler Wells or Cade Povich could take that spot.)
Perhaps a starter not currently on the roster will be among those who report to Sarasota — whether early in camp or later.
The three first basemen
After Baltimore signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract on Dec. 11, it seemed likely that either Ryan Mountcastle or Coby Mayo would be traded. Yet heading into spring training, both remain with the Orioles — and Mountcastle avoided arbitration with a $6.787 million deal that added a $7.5 million team option for 2027.
Unless a trade materializes in the next seven weeks, Mountcastle could make the 26-man Opening Day roster as a right-handed hitter capable of filling in at first base and as a designated hitter. Right-handed hitting Mayo is also fighting for a spot, and the O’s haven’t ruled out playing the 24-year-old at third base (his former position in the minors) or possibly in the corner outfield.
Mayo still has a Minor League option, which could be a factor if the Orioles choose to go in a different direction for their final bench spot.
About that last spot on the bench…
Let’s make the following assumptions about Baltimore’s opening day lineup:
Left-handed hitting Kjerstad would give the O’s a little more right/left balance. But the 26-year-old has struggled in the Majors, hitting .218 with a .649 OPS in 106 games over the past three seasons. Additionally, Baltimore’s corner and outfield mix is already crowded.
Jackson had been considered the favorite until Alexander arrived Thursday in a trade with Arizona. Alexander (who is out of Minor League options) is a better fielder capable of playing anywhere on the field, and while Jackson has good offensive potential, Alexander also has the potential to improve with the bat.
The Polar Bear Hype
Baltimore has been buzzing all winter about Alonso’s arrival. The 31-year-old slugger will draw attention all spring — during his first round of batting practice in the backfields, during his first Grapefruit League game in an Orioles uniform and throughout camp.
Everyone wants to see what the O’s lineup looks like with Alonso at the core, as well as how the Polar Bear will help a position player core made up of mostly younger players.
Alonso’s presence will remain a dominant storyline in Orioles camp all spring.
A heated competition
Only three relievers appear to be locks for the Opening Day roster entering camp: new closer Ryan Helsley, right-hander Andrew Kittredge and left-hander Keegan Akin. Five bullpen spots will be up for grabs with a ton of weapons in the conversation.
The relief mix includes bounce-back prospects (Yennier Cano, Chayce McDermott and Colin Selby), pitchers who showed flashes of success last year (Kade Strowd, Rico Garcia, Dietrich Enns, Grant Wolfram and others), unproven prospects (Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster) and starters who could be squeezed out of the rotation (Wells, Povich and others).
The fight for spots in the bullpen could become the most heated position battle in O’s camp.
