Orioles Roster Decisions: Who Will Secure a Spot for the 2026 Season?

As the countdown to the Orioles’ 2026 season opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 26th ticks away, the excitement is palpable. With roster cuts looming, the team is poised to finalize its lineup, and the decisions ahead promise to be intriguing.

Among the most debated areas is the starting rotation. Historically a challenge for the Orioles, this spring has seen a shift in strategy, with the front office opting for quantity over quality. Currently, five pitchers appear to be locked in: Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Dean Kremer. Each has demonstrated strong performances throughout the spring, solidifying their places.

Initially, Zach Eflin, who signed a one-year deal in November, might have seemed a contender for the rotation. However, as reported by MASN’s Roch Kubatko, Eflin is extending his recovery period to build up his innings following back surgery last season. Given the team’s recent struggles with pitching injuries, it’s a prudent move to allow him time to return to form.

The only remaining uncertainty in the rotation revolves around Cade Povich and whether the team will opt for a six-man or five-man setup. Povich has impressed with a 1.59 ERA over 5.2 innings this spring, and he is slated for one more start against the Phillies in Clearwater. While his future may lean toward a bullpen role or a stint in Norfolk, the decision on the rotation configuration remains a closely guarded secret, with the manager acknowledging that having multiple options is a “nice problem to have.”

As for the bullpen, it mirrors its usual eclectic mix of players. Key figures include closer Ryan Helsley, Yennier Cano, Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Rico Garcia, Grant Wolfram, and potentially Yaramil Hiraldo. The latter three, surprisingly, have become veteran presences on the team and have performed well this spring, particularly benefiting from Andrew Kittredge’s temporary absence due to shoulder inflammation. On the flip side, lefty Dietrich Enns has struggled with an 18.90 ERA but has still managed to rack up strikeouts, indicating he may still retain a place on the roster.

Looking at potential omissions, Jose Espada, Jackson Kowar, Cameron Foster, Anthony Nunez, and Albert Suárez find themselves on the bubble. Suárez’s 2025 season was marred by shoulder issues, and although he has had a rough spring, his extensive experience suggests he could still play a role in the bullpen. Espada, now 29 and representing Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, has looked sharp with three scoreless innings this spring. Kowar, acquired from the Twins, faces a roster crunch due to his lack of options. Newcomers Foster and Nunez were optioned recently but remain in consideration.

Shifting to the infield, the catcher situation is straightforward. Maverick Handley and Sam Huff are set to provide depth behind starters Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Beyond the catching position, the infield presents more intrigue. If the team decides on six infielders, the lineup will likely include Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Coby Mayo, Ryan Mountcastle, and Blaze Alexander. The injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg have opened opportunities for Mountcastle and Mayo, with the latter impressing at third base, boasting a .500 batting average in 26 spring at-bats.

That leaves one infield spot up for grabs, with contenders such as Jeremiah Jackson, Thairo Estrada, Luis Vázquez, Bryan Ramos, Willy Vasquez, José Barrero, and Weston Wilson. Jackson’s versatility as a utility player gives him an edge, while Vázquez, currently with Team Puerto Rico, showed promise last season despite not being on the 40-man roster.

In the outfield, the lineup appears more defined with five spots to fill: Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward, and Leody Taveras. Young talents Beavers and Cowser are poised for significant playing time, while O’Neill and Ward bring experience and contract security. Taveras, now in his 11th professional season, adds versatility to the mix.

This configuration leaves little room for Heston Kjerstad, Enrique Bradfield Jr., or Jhonkensy Noel. Bradfield’s recent promotion to Triple-A and limited success this spring (1-for-9) make his exclusion unsurprising. Noel, despite a strong spring performance with a .375 batting average and .882 OPS, may need more time to prove himself. Kjerstad, now seemingly healthy, has shown flashes of his potential with an .823 OPS and four extra-base hits in 30 at-bats, but he is likely to start in Norfolk.

As the Orioles approach the final stages of roster decisions, the situation reveals more than just battles for spots; it’s a complex puzzle of roster management. How will manager Albernaz navigate the abundance of starting options? Will Cade Povich, Tyler Wells, and Albert Suárez fill traditional or long-relief roles? And will lesser-known players like José Espada and Jhonkensy Noel find their way into the lineup? The answers will shape the team’s fortunes as they gear up for the season ahead.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.