The Baltimore Orioles went into the 2026 offseason with a purpose, making significant moves like signing slugger Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, and Leody Taveras and dipping into their deep farm system to trade for Taylor Ward, Andrew Kittredge and Shane Baz. Between those moves and the graduation of top prospects like Sam Basallo, many considered Baltimore to be one of the most improved teams of the offseason and ready to get right back into the thick of contention.
Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, that hasn’t happened. The Orioles sit fourth in the ALE with a 26-30 record, a game behind Toronto in the standings. Injuries, underperformance, and just plain bad luck have all contributed to an underwhelming first third of the season.
I reached out to old friend of VftOS, Tyler Young from Camden Chat to get his take on the current Orioles and what their fanbase is feeling and looking for right now.
Baltimore was widely considered to have had an excellent offseason and there was a lot of pre-season hype about them. What, in your opinion, are the key elements behind the under 500 start to the season?
Injuries are not the whole reason why the team has struggled, but it is definitely part of the story. Jordan Westburg won’t play at all this year. Jackson Holliday just got back. Zach Eflin made one start. Ryan Helsley has missed a month already. And that just scratches the surface. On top of that, the team hasn’t gotten enough out of its very best players. Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso, and Trevor Rogers have all underwhelmed. Tough to win with that combination.
There’s been a lot of trade speculation with Adley Rutschman in the centre, especially with the emergence of Sam Basallo. Do you think the club is most likely to move him, try to extend him, or let him hit free agency and go from there?
I don’t expect anything to happen with Rutschman this year. The organization is convinced they can win with this roster, and Rutschman is a key component. I also don’t see an extension coming his way. So my guess would that if they stink in ‘27 he is dealt at the deadline. If they compete, he will stick around until free agency.
Is this Front Office likely to make additions through trade to bolster the lineup and rotation over the next couple of months, or are they more likely to wait and see how it plays out?
There is pressure on this front office to win, but I don’t think they will force anything. The team has largely treaded water to this point, and in a flawed AL that has been enough to keep them in the playoff mix. If they can get healthier and be right around .500 come July I would expect them to be buyers.
Which prospect are Orioles fans most excited for that debuted or might debut this year?
I’ve got two: Trey Gibson and Enrique Bradfield Jr. Gibson is a fringy Top 100 type that has already made a few big league appearances this year. He’s looked good, though he profiles as just a mid-rotation arm. Bradfield is an outfielder that could debut late in the year. Super fast, great glove, and a light bat. Sounds like a perfect bench option come playoff time.
Who is your favourite member of the team to watch right now?
It’s Basallo. He’s just a pure hitter with ludicrous power. The ball explodes off his bat. He has been the team’s most productive offensive weapon, and he’s still only 21 years old. Signing him to that extension looks pretty wise right now!
And just a fun little exercise, if you could make a guaranteed trade for one player from a division rival, who would it be and what would you consider a fair return to acquire them?
Cam Schlittler is too obvious of an answer, but it’s the right one. A young, hard-throwing pitcher that’s already dominating is too good to pass up, even if he has to get Tommy John eventually. I don’t think the Yankees would value much of anything on the Orioles roster outside of Henderson, and I’m not parting with him. Maybe I could entice them with a package of Holliday, Gibson, two top prospects, and a Competitive Balance pick?
Thanks Tyler!
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