Because You Asked: Revenge of the Fallen Questions Answered

The Baltimore Orioles roll into spring training with a lot of hope, but honestly, they’ve got some roster questions that could shape their 2026 campaign. Bullpen roles, rotation upgrades, catcher usage, and the progress of prospects all factor into the mix.

The front office seems to be positioning the team for another competitive run, but they’re clearly leaving some wiggle room for moves that could make a real difference. Let’s take a closer look at where things stand and which storylines are worth following as camp gets underway.

Bullpen Picture Still Taking Shape

The Orioles’ bullpen looks more defined than the rotation, but it’s still not quite finished. After claiming Weston Wilson, Baltimore has a strong core, though there are still questions about who’ll step up in high-leverage spots—especially from the left side.

Locks and Battles in the Relief Corps

Right now, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, Keegan Akin, and Tyler Wells seem like near-locks for bullpen jobs. That leaves a handful of pitchers—Dietrich Enns, Yennier Cano, and Rico Garcia—vying for the last few spots.

The Orioles might still look to add another reliable lefty for late-inning work. Some folks have tossed around the idea of bringing back Danny Coulombe or Cionel Pérez, but Pérez’s recent ups and downs make him a bit of a gamble, even with his earlier success.

Rotation Anchors and Bigger Ambitions

The bullpen feels close to set, but the rotation is where Baltimore’s front office still dreams big. The club looks comfortable with its internal options, but they’re definitely still poking around for a top-tier starter.

Bradish, Rogers, and the Search for an Ace

Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers are expected to lead the rotation for now. Still, the Orioles keep chasing impact arms—names like Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and Justin Verlander are floating out there.

Talks with Valdez have stalled, but they’re not dead. Gallen seems like the fallback after a rough 2025. Baltimore’s approach? They’re satisfied, but not standing still.

Roster Flexibility and Player Development

Beyond pitching, some position-player choices could shake up the roster, especially with young talent and defensive versatility in play.

Coby Mayo and the Mountcastle Factor

If Ryan Mountcastle sticks around, Coby Mayo could start the year at Triple-A. In that case, Mayo would focus on sharpening his defense and getting more outfield reps while working on his game in the minors.

Catching Depth: A Luxury Problem

The Orioles will probably carry at least two catchers in 2026, maybe even four at some point, depending on how things break:

Rutschman should get most of the starts. Basallo isn’t guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster just because of his contract, but the Orioles like where he’s at development-wise. It’s unlikely he’ll get optioned early unless something odd happens.

Perspective, Comparisons, and Personal Reflection

The bigger picture? It’s not just about stats and lineups. Noticing a player’s winter beard, Pete Alonso’s contagious energy, or the sheer grind of a baseball season—those little things add a splash of life to the whole conversation.

Rutschman’s Rebound and Looking Ahead

When you try to figure out how Rutschman might shake off a rough patch, Cody Bellinger pops up as a pretty solid comparison. He’s living proof that even the best can hit the reset button and get back to their game.

Thinking back to joining MASN in 2008 brings a weird mix of nostalgia and curiosity. There’s this half-serious idea of maybe writing a memoir or starting a podcast someday, especially if the MLB media scene takes a turn.

Honestly, baseball isn’t just about stats and trades—it’s tangled up with real people and their stories. That part never really changes.

Bottom line: The Orioles roll into spring training ready for almost anything. They’re still looking for the right pieces, and how bold they get might decide if 2026 is just another good year—or something unforgettable.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Because You Asked – Revenge of the Fallen