Checking in on the Baltimore Orioles this offseason

The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in revamp mode this offseason.

The first major move of the period was bringing in former associate manager of the Cleveland Guardians Craig Albernaz. Former interim manager Tony Mansolino was brought on by the Braves as a 3rd base coach, with the rest of the coaching staff being shuffled around as well.

Albernaz worked directly with one of the most well-regarded managers in the league and made two playoff appearances with Cleveland. His style of management might just be what the Orioles need in 2026.

The stove was relatively cold early in the offseason, with the Orioles adding or bringing back depth. Rico Garcia was brought back on an MLB deal as well as Dietrich Enns. Both put-up great numbers in their limited sample size in a surprisingly effective late-season bullpen.

·      Garcia 2025 O’s Stats: 19 IP, 2.84 ERA

·      Enns 2025 O’s Stats: 28.2 IP, 3.14 ERA

Garcia was first on the Orioles for a brief stint back in 2021, and Enns had been pitching in Japan and South Korea prior to the 2025 season after a long MLB hiatus.

The O’s also added depth infield help in the form of Luis Vasquez and Jose Barrero. Both guys are still relatively young and can play all over the field.

Tyler O’Neill, our biggest signing last offseason, declined his chance to opt out of his contract after an injury-plagued 2025 season. The power bat is looking to rebound in a big way next season.

The Orioles also brought back Andrew Kittredge, who was dealt at the 2024 trade deadline for an extremely young infield prospect. He’s back with the team after sending cash the Cubs’ way.

The O’s then further filled out their depth with the acquisitions of RHPs George Soriano and Enoli Paredes, as well as outfielders Leodry Taveras and Pedro Leon. All four of these guys could be change-of-scenery candidates and could thrive with a new opportunity in a new environment. Each player has a unique upside.

Just earlier this week, the O’s protected three players ahead of the Rule 5 draft deadline. The draft is a chance for MLB teams to scoop up former prospects and guys who might just need a chance to make an impact.

Anthony Nunez was the first player added to the roster. The former MiLB infielder converted to relief in 2024 and hasn’t looked back. Nunez had a stellar 2.06 ERA over 49 relief appearances in 2025, striking out 13.2 per nine between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.

Cameron Foster, who along with Anthony Nunez was also added at last year’s trade deadline, was the next player added. The 26-year-old reached AAA in 2025, with a 3.11 ERA over 46.1 innings between AA/AAA. He’s someone to keep an eye on as Spring Training approaches.

The O’s also added an outfielder to the roster in Reed Trimble. He’s struggled with injuries in his career so far but has been great when healthy. Trimble is 61/61 in career stolen base attempts in the minor leagues.

The O’s have had some recent success in the Rule 5 draft with former Oriole Anthony Santander and Tyler Wells being selected by the team. Santander hit 155 home runs for the birds before signing with the Blue Jays last offseason. Wells has pitched over 300 big league innings with an ERA just under four.

The biggest boom of the offseason so far took the form of a late-night trade. Former Orioles first-round pick Grayson Rodriguez was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels for slugging outfielder Taylor Ward.

Ward brings a ton in terms of offensive potential. The 31-year-old hit 36 home runs in 2025 with an OPS+ 16% above league average. Ward has been healthy recently, averaging 156.5 games played (of 162) over the last two seasons. He also crushes left-handed pitching and hits well with runners in scoring position.

Rodriguez joins the Angels after an injury-plagued Orioles run. He’ll get the chance to bounce back with the Angels after missing all of 2025.

Dan Lambert founded American Top Team and has worked with acclaimed fighters from around the world in the world of UFC and other promotions. Lambert also made appearances for All Elite Wrestling between 2021–2022, managing the on-air American Top Team wrestling stable.

Lambert got into the Orioles early and has supported the team for 50 years. The Baltimore native moved to Florida at a young age but kept up with the team. His family also had an influence on him getting into the sport.

“My older brother is a huge fan as well and got me into it. Favorite memory is the ‘83 World Series run but also went to 2 games in the ‘79 series against Pittsburgh.

“I go back often for games and crabs during the season and never miss a game on TV,” he said.

Baltimore will continue to look to fill out their 2026 roster with a big emphasis on starting pitching.

The O’s could take two directions here. Players like Dylan Cease, Ranger Suarez and Michael King are free agents but would require ownership to open the wallets big time.

Another option is going the trade route. Rebuilding teams like the Twins and the Nationals might be inclined to deal one of their upper-tier starters for a prospect haul.

The vibe of the offseason is hopeful. With a new manager and coaching staff in place and a retooled roster, the Orioles should be right back in playoff contention and will look to make a World Series run. Their last World Series win came in 1983.

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By COLE SIMMS

Sports Editor