Baltimore Orioles Spring Training 2026: Key Storylines to Watch as Orioles Begin Bounce-Back Campaign

The Baltimore Orioles are preparing to return to Sarasota for the start of Spring Training 2026, and expectations are already building for what many hope will be a bounce-back season. After a challenging 2025 campaign that exposed roster weaknesses and raised questions about the team’s direction, the Orioles head into camp with renewed urgency and several compelling storylines.

Pitchers and catchers participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic are reporting early, but many more Orioles players are expected to arrive at Ed Smith Stadium throughout the week. As workouts begin and preparations intensify, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Baltimore positions itself for a competitive season in what remains one of baseball’s toughest divisions.

From high-profile additions to lingering concerns about injuries and bullpen depth, the Orioles’ spring training is filled with intrigue. Here are the top storylines to watch as Baltimore opens camp for the 2026 MLB season.

A New Era Begins: Pete Alonso and Craig Albernaz Lead the Way

One of the most significant developments for the Orioles this offseason was the signing of superstar slugger Pete Alonso. Regardless of how fans feel about the size of his contract, Alonso’s arrival represents a major shift in Baltimore’s approach to free agency.

For the first time under general manager Mike Elias, the Orioles aggressively pursued and secured a marquee free agent. Alonso was a coveted target on the market, with the Boston Red Sox also reportedly in pursuit. His deal reflects the current cost of acquiring one of baseball’s premier power hitters rather than an overpay driven by desperation.

Alonso’s presence immediately strengthens Baltimore’s lineup and brings veteran leadership to a relatively young roster. More importantly, his signing signals that the Orioles are serious about competing now rather than simply building for the future.

Equally important — though perhaps less flashy — is the hiring of new manager Craig Albernaz. Highly respected across Major League Baseball, Albernaz previously built a strong reputation within the Cleveland Guardians organization. His experience and developmental focus align with Elias’ long-term vision for the franchise.

While some fans hoped for a more experienced, win-now manager, the Orioles opted for a forward-looking choice. Albernaz is seen as someone capable of shaping a sustainable winning culture rather than delivering short-term fixes. His hiring could ultimately become one of the most crucial decisions of Elias’ tenure.

During his introductory press conference, Pete Alonso emphasized that Albernaz played a key role in his decision to sign with Baltimore. The manager’s vision for the team and commitment to building a winning environment resonated strongly with the slugger.

In January, Alonso further energized the fan base during a Birdland Caravan event by introducing the concept of a “New Oriole Way.” Drawing inspiration from the franchise’s historic “Oriole Way” — which powered Baltimore’s success during the 1960s through the 1980s — Alonso expressed a desire to help restore the organization’s winning identity.

This cultural reset begins in Sarasota. While spring training offers only a glimpse into what’s ahead, fans will be eager to see how Alonso, Albernaz, and other newcomers influence the clubhouse and set the tone for the 2026 season.

Injury Concerns Loom Over Orioles’ Pitching and Infield

Unfortunately for Orioles fans, recent spring trainings have often begun with concerning injury news. Over the past two years, Mike Elias has delivered difficult updates about key pitchers before the season even began.

Two seasons ago, both Kyle Bradish and John Means were revealed to have significant elbow injuries. Last spring, Grayson Rodriguez was sidelined with shoulder issues that lingered throughout the season. Those setbacks played a major role in Baltimore’s struggles and highlighted the importance of pitching depth.

So far, no major injuries have been publicly announced this spring. However, some of the Orioles’ offseason moves suggest the organization may still have underlying concerns.

Baltimore signed veteran starter Zach Eflin, seemingly giving the team five legitimate MLB-caliber starting pitchers. Yet shortly after that move, reports surfaced that the Orioles were still pursuing additional pitching options. They were linked to free agents such as Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez before those pitchers signed elsewhere.

Why continue searching for pitching if the rotation appears full? Depth is always valuable, but there may be more to the story. The Orioles’ actions suggest they may not expect all five current starters to be fully ready for Opening Day.

This could be a precautionary approach, particularly with Eflin returning from back surgery last year. However, it also raises questions about the health of other pitchers in the rotation. Spring training will likely provide clarity on whether Baltimore is simply being cautious or bracing for potential setbacks.

The trade for Blaze Alexander also hints at possible infield concerns. Baltimore gave up a respectable return, including reliable bullpen arm Kade Strowd, for a player who projects primarily as a utility infielder. While Alexander adds versatility, the cost of acquiring him suggests the team may anticipate short-term needs in the infield.

Alexander can play second and third base, making him a valuable insurance option if players like Jordan Westburg or Jackson Holliday face early-season health issues. Monitoring the health and availability of Baltimore’s infielders during spring training will be crucial.

Bullpen Competition: Questions and Opportunities

Another major storyline heading into Orioles spring training is the bullpen. Baltimore’s relief corps enters camp with significant uncertainty and limited proven depth.

The loss of Kade Strowd in the Blaze Alexander trade further weakened an already thin bullpen. Currently, the most established arms include new closer Ryan Helsley and veteran Andrew Kittredge. Beyond them, the bullpen is largely composed of unproven pitchers fighting for roster spots.

Even Helsley carries some uncertainty after a mixed finish to his previous season. While he possesses elite stuff, consistency will be key if he is to anchor the Orioles’ bullpen effectively.

Several pitchers are currently projected to make the Opening Day roster, including Colin Selby, Dietrich Enns, and Rico Garcia. However, none of them has more than two full seasons of MLB experience. Their limited track records make the bullpen both unpredictable and potentially volatile.

Adding to the challenge is a lack of roster flexibility. Many of these pitchers are out of minor league options, meaning the Orioles cannot easily send them to Triple-A without exposing them to waivers. This creates a delicate balancing act for the coaching staff during spring training.

In Triple-A, the organization has additional young arms with potential, such as Chayce McDermott, Grant Wolfram, and Yaramil Hiraldo. While these pitchers offer upside, relying heavily on inexperienced relievers can be risky for a team with postseason aspirations.

It remains likely that Baltimore will add another veteran reliever before Opening Day. As teams finalize rosters in March, experienced bullpen arms often become available. However, waiting too long carries its own risks, as the Orioles could be left with limited options.

A shaky bullpen places additional pressure on both the starting rotation and the offense. If the relief corps struggles early, Baltimore may need to explore midseason trades to stabilize the unit.

A Crucial Spring for the Orioles’ 2026 Outlook

Spring Training 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the Baltimore Orioles. With new leadership, significant roster changes, and lingering questions about health and depth, the coming weeks will help define expectations for the season ahead.

Pete Alonso’s arrival and Craig Albernaz’s leadership offer hope for a cultural and competitive reset. At the same time, potential injury concerns and bullpen uncertainty underscore the challenges the team must overcome.

Competing in a stacked American League East will not be easy. Every advantage matters, and the foundation for success begins now in Sarasota. As the Orioles take the field for spring workouts, fans will be watching closely for signs that this team is ready to rebound and return to postseason contention in 2026.