Baltimore Orioles Revamp Roster After Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
The Baltimore Orioles’ 2025 season didn’t live up to expectations. After a 91-71 finish in 2024 and a Wild Card berth, the Orioles entered 2025 hoping to build on their momentum and make a deeper postseason run.
Instead, the season was derailed by injuries. 29 players landed on the injured list, and Baltimore tied an MLB record by using 70 players in a single season. The chaotic campaign led to the midseason firing of manager Brandon Hyde, replaced on an interim basis by Tony Mansolino.
As the Orioles look to rebound in 2026, the front office has been aggressive in reshaping the roster, aiming to pair young talent with proven stars.
Front Office Shakeup and Coaching Changes
In October, the Orioles made a key hire to stabilize the dugout. Craig Albernaz, formerly the associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians, was brought in to serve in a leadership role, giving the club a new strategic direction.
The coaching and management overhaul signals Baltimore’s commitment to building a consistent contender. With injuries having highlighted the lack of depth in 2025, the team aims to bolster both player development and in-game strategy.
Pete Alonso: The Polar Bear Joins Baltimore
The centerpiece of the Orioles’ offseason moves has been the acquisition of Pete Alonso, the former New York Mets first baseman and five-time All-Star. Alonso, who won a Silver Slugger Award, opted out of the final year of his contract with New York and signed a five-year, $155 million deal with Baltimore at age 31.
“How happy are they to add Pete Alonso? Perhaps as unhappy as Mets fans were to see him go,” writes Jon Heyman of The New York Post. “Orioles owner David Rubenstein likened the acquisition to the Birds acquiring all-time great Frank Robinson 60 years ago.”
Alonso’s signing represents a major power boost for the Orioles’ lineup, pairing elite hitting with leadership experience. The team even placed 19 billboards around Baltimore celebrating Alonso, nicknamed “The Polar Bear,” under the slogan “Icy Conditions Ahead.”
Additional Key Acquisitions
Baltimore didn’t stop with Alonso. The Orioles made a series of strategic moves to strengthen pitching and depth:
Starting Pitching Additions
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Shane Baz, 26, acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, posted a 10-12 record, 4.87 ERA, and 176 strikeouts last season. Baz adds high strikeout potential and rotation stability.
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Zach Eflin re-signed for one year, $10 million, giving the Orioles another experienced starter.
Bullpen Reinforcements
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Ryan Helsley, 26, signed a two-year, $28 million contract, adding a dynamic late-inning presence.
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Andrew Kittredge, 35, All-Star in 2021 and previously with Baltimore before being flipped to the Cubs, was reacquired to strengthen veteran depth.
The Orioles are reportedly still exploring additional bullpen options, with Taylor Rogers (Cubs) and Andrew Chafin (Angels) mentioned as potential southpaw relievers to round out the bullpen.
Trades and Player Flips
Baltimore also made moves to balance the roster and strengthen other positions:
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Grayson Rodriguez, a promising pitching prospect, was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for left fielder Taylor Ward, adding offensive versatility to the lineup.
These moves reflect the Orioles’ strategy of leveraging young talent while acquiring proven contributors to remain competitive.
Winter Meetings and Offseason Outlook
According to Jon Heyman, Baltimore was one of the biggest winners of the Winter Meetings, signaling that the Orioles are serious about contending in 2026. Beyond Alonso, Baz, Helsley, and Kittredge, the team continues to seek another starting pitcher and a left-handed reliever to complete their rotation and bullpen strategy.
The front office, led by team president Mike Elias, has shown a willingness to spend aggressively while maintaining long-term flexibility, creating a roster built for both immediate success and sustained competitiveness.
Orioles’ Vision for 2026
Baltimore’s offseason moves indicate a clear vision:
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Bolster the offense with proven power hitters – Pete Alonso provides a game-changing bat in the middle of the lineup.
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Stabilize the starting rotation – Shane Baz, Zach Eflin, and potential additional starters offer depth and strikeout potential.
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Strengthen the bullpen – Helsley, Kittredge, and possible southpaw additions give the Orioles flexibility in late-game situations.
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Blend youth and experience – Trades like acquiring Taylor Ward and re-signing veterans ensure a balanced roster capable of handling a long season.
If injuries remain under control, the Orioles could be positioned to challenge for the AL East and return to postseason relevance.
Fan Excitement and Market Impact
Alonso’s arrival has energized the Baltimore fan base, with billboards and media coverage creating a sense of renewed optimism. Social media buzz highlights the excitement around the “Polar Bear” joining the Birds, and ticket sales and merchandise are likely to see a significant boost.
The Orioles’ aggressive approach to free agency and trades signals that the team is no longer content with just making the postseason. Instead, they are aiming to compete at the top of the league with a mix of power hitting, pitching depth, and strategic roster construction.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Orioles have dramatically reshaped their roster following a disappointing 2025 season, which was marred by record-setting injuries and managerial changes. The acquisition of Pete Alonso stands out as a franchise-defining move, providing both power and leadership.
Complementary moves like Shane Baz, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, and Taylor Ward signal a commitment to pitching stability, bullpen depth, and lineup versatility. While the team is still exploring additional pitching options, the Orioles are positioned to return as serious contenders in 2026.
Baltimore’s strategy reflects a clear vision: win now, but build sustainably, blending young talent and veteran experience while addressing roster weaknesses exposed during a challenging 2025 campaign.
With Alonso leading the charge, the Orioles’ 2026 season promises to be one of the most anticipated campaigns in recent memory, giving fans reason to believe that “icy conditions” are ahead—in the best way possible.
