Orioles Spring Training Update: 2 Players Earning Opening Day Spots and 2 Losing Ground

The Baltimore Orioles entered 2026 spring training with one of the most stable rosters in Major League Baseball. After several years of rebuilding and developing elite prospects, the organization now has a core group of players firmly established at the major league level.

Because of that depth, very few roster spots were truly available heading into camp. Even with injuries affecting parts of the infield and bullpen, the competition has largely been limited to fringe players fighting for the final openings on the roster.

As the team prepares for the start of the Major League Baseball season, several players have begun separating themselves from the pack. A few have strengthened their chances of making the Opening Day roster, while others have seen their opportunities slip away.

Here are two Orioles players trending toward a roster spot — and two who appear to be falling out of the picture.

2 Orioles Players Who Have Earned an Opening Day Roster Spot

Yennier Cano

Reliever Yennier Cano entered spring training with something to prove after a difficult 2025 season.

The biggest issue for Cano last year was his inability to consistently retire left-handed hitters. During his breakout 2023 season, lefties managed a weighted on-base average (wOBA) of just .286 against him. By contrast, that number ballooned to .404 in 2025 — a dramatic increase that significantly hurt his effectiveness late in games.

To put that difference into perspective, the performance gap roughly mirrors the offensive difference between players like Cal Raleigh and Anthony Volpe.

Throughout last season, Cano experimented with several adjustments to his pitch mix in an attempt to solve the problem. None of those changes produced consistent results.

This spring, however, Cano appears to have found a solution.

Instead of relying on his changeup, he has begun incorporating a splitter into his arsenal. The pitch pairs well with his four-seam fastball — a pitch he had used only sparingly in previous seasons.

The early results have been extremely encouraging.

Pitch analytics models have responded positively to the new splitter, and hitters have struggled to make contact. Cano has generated a significant number of swings and misses during his limited spring appearances.

In just a few outings, he has gone from being a potential roster bubble candidate to looking like a reliable bullpen option once again.

If the current trend continues, Cano should have a strong chance of returning to the Orioles bullpen when the regular season begins.

Jeremiah Jackson

Jeremiah Jackson has also made a strong case for an Opening Day roster spot during spring training.

Offensively, Jackson has performed exactly as the Orioles expected. His spring slash line closely mirrors the production he has shown throughout his minor league career. His strong performance even includes a home run he hit during an exhibition matchup against the Netherlands national baseball team.

For the Orioles, though, Jackson’s offensive ability has never been the primary concern.

The bigger question has always been whether he can handle defensive responsibilities in the infield at the major league level.

Last season, Jackson spent significant time playing in the outfield following his call-up. While that move allowed the Orioles to keep his bat in the lineup, the organization still views his long-term value as an infielder.

This spring, Jackson has looked much more comfortable after transitioning back to the infield.

He has started all of his Grapefruit League appearances at second base and has shown smooth defensive actions. His range, footwork, and throwing accuracy have been solid throughout camp.

The only defensive misstep occurred during the exhibition game against the Netherlands when he briefly played shortstop — a position the Orioles are unlikely to ask him to handle regularly.

If his defense continues to hold up, Jackson could provide valuable infield depth early in the season while contributing offensive upside off the bench.

2 Orioles Players Who Lost an Opening Day Opportunity

Chayce McDermott

Right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott entered spring training with a legitimate chance to break into the Orioles bullpen.

McDermott has been part of the organization since 2022 and was added to the team’s 40-man roster in 2024. The Orioles would love to develop a cost-controlled bullpen arm capable of contributing at the major league level for several seasons.

Unfortunately, his spring training performance did not help his case.

In one of his early appearances, McDermott struggled badly, surrendering three home runs on three consecutive pitches. While the outing was clearly an outlier, it created an uphill battle for him in a camp where roster spots were already scarce.

Pitching coach Drew French and other staff members reportedly remained supportive, noting that McDermott responded well afterward and showed resilience.

However, a few days later, he was among the first group of players cut from camp.

The decision does not necessarily mean McDermott’s long-term future with the Orioles is in jeopardy. But he will likely need to produce strong results in the minor leagues early in the season to earn another opportunity at the major league level.

Maverick Handley

Catcher Maverick Handley entered spring training competing for a potential depth role behind the plate.

Handley’s defensive skills have always been viewed as his greatest strength. He is considered a reliable receiver with solid game-calling ability and strong leadership behind the plate.

However, his offensive production has long been a question mark.

Unfortunately for Handley, his bat has been quiet during spring training, which has made it difficult for him to keep pace with the competition.

The Orioles also added another catcher to the mix: Sam Huff.

Huff has been one of the most impressive hitters in camp, consistently driving the ball with power and producing strong offensive numbers.

If the Orioles decide to carry a third catcher on their roster — something teams occasionally do early in the season — Huff currently appears to have the advantage.

Unless Handley can turn things around offensively, he will likely begin the season in the minors.

Orioles’ Deep Roster Making Spring Decisions Tough

The Orioles’ spring training competition reflects a positive problem for the organization: depth.

Just a few years ago, the team relied heavily on prospects and developmental players. Now, many positions are locked down by established major league contributors.

That leaves only a handful of opportunities for fringe players to break through.

For players like Yennier Cano and Jeremiah Jackson, strong spring performances may have secured them valuable roster spots. For others such as Chayce McDermott and Maverick Handley, the path to the majors will likely require more development time.

As Opening Day approaches, the Orioles appear poised to enter the season with one of the most talented and balanced rosters in baseball — and the competition in camp shows exactly how far the franchise has come. ⚾