Blaze Alexander Blasts Past Early Orioles MLB Roster Projections

This article takes a look at how the Orioles’ latest roster shuffling—including a quick Bryan Ramos waiver claim and the surprise addition of Blaze Alexander—might shake up their projected 26-man (and soon, 28-man) roster. There’s a lot going on with the balance between position players and the team’s ever-expanding depth chart as spring training creeps closer.

Rosters, Waivers, and the Domino Effect with Blaze Alexander

The Orioles snagged Bryan Ramos off waivers, but he didn’t stick around long—St. Louis swooped in and grabbed him, which stings during this chaotic roster churn. Ramos came over from the White Sox, but the team quickly designated him to clear space for Blaze Alexander.

Alexander’s arrival really shakes things up. He might even wipe out the last bits of internal competition for that utility spot. With Alexander now in the mix, Baltimore could stretch past the usual 13- or 14-player position group, and honestly, the infield and outfield could look pretty different this season.

Projected Position Players

Here’s the core group the Orioles seem to be working with, plus a few notes on their depth and who can play where.

• Adley Rutschman (catcher)
• Samuel Basallo (catcher)
• Pete Alonso (infield)
• Gunnar Henderson (infield)
• Jackson Holliday (infield)
• Jordan Westburg (infield)
• Ryan Mountcastle (infield/first base)
• Coby Mayo (infield)
• Blaze Alexander (infield/utility)
• Taylor Ward (outfield)
• Colton Cowser (outfield)
• Tyler O’Neill (outfield)
• Dylan Beavers (outfield)
• Leody Taveras (outfield)

It stands out that Alexander and Leody Taveras don’t have minor-league options left. After giving up assets to get Alexander, the Orioles probably won’t risk losing either guy on waivers again.

The O’s are still mulling over other depth options and possible upgrades. There’s Jeremiah Jackson, who’s optionable, and Heston Kjerstad, working his way back from injury. The catching group feels crowded, so it’s tough to imagine them carrying three catchers, even though the talent’s there. These extra names show Baltimore’s tendency to chase flexibility and upside, even as Alexander’s arrival makes a bigger position-player group seem more likely.

Pitching Depth: Bullpen and Rotation Outlook

On the pitching side, the Orioles look set to rely on some rookie energy in the bullpen. The group is mostly right-handed and pretty deep, at least on paper. Kade Strowd made a strong rookie impression, but the bullpen could still get another shakeup before spring ends as the team checks out more arms.

That right-handed depth might push the Orioles to make more moves, especially if they want better matchups in big moments. There’s still some uncertainty, but that’s kind of the norm this time of year, isn’t it?

Starting Rotation and Potential Additions

The rotation looks like it has a solid core, built around athleticism and recent performance. Four established names lead the way:

• Kyle Bradish
• Trevor Rogers
• Shane Baz
• Dean Kremer

After those four, Zach Eflin’s situation depends on how he bounces back from back surgery last August. If he’s not ready for Opening Day, there’s some wiggle room for another arm.

They might bring in a veteran starter to add depth. There’s been some chatter about Zac Gallen as a possible target, but that hinges on his health and whether the logistics make sense.

The team wants a rotation that can eat innings and survive the usual early-season bumps. Sustaining run prevention across the board is the hope, but you never really know until the games start.

The way the 14-player position group meshes with the pitching staff will shape Baltimore’s early-season plans. If the infielders and outfielders come together as a flexible, tough roster, the Orioles could use that depth to hang onto late-game leads and get through injuries.

But if trades or opt-outs pop up, the bullpen could get squeezed, and the team might have to push harder for a veteran starter to back up the young guys. Alexander’s arrival already changes the depth chart and, honestly, the whole approach to building the 2026 roster.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Blaze Alexander sets fire to early roster projections