Leftovers for Breakfast: Orioles Lean on Veterans and Bench Depth

This blog post dives into a hectic stretch for the Baltimore Orioles. There’s a lot going on—splashy roster moves, spring-training plans, draft projections, and plenty of rotation questions.

The headline addition of Pete Alonso has totally changed the Orioles’ offensive outlook. Taylor Ward, a new face, is gearing up to make his mark in more ways than one.

Sprinkled throughout, you’ll find updates on pitching, power metrics, and how Baltimore’s front office is thinking about 2026 and beyond.

Alonso Arrival Energizes Orioles Lineup

The biggest story in Baltimore this offseason came in dramatic fashion—even for players already in the clubhouse. Outfielder Taylor Ward admitted he found out about the Orioles signing Pete Alonso the same way fans did: a flood of text messages from friends.

Ward later confirmed the move on the Orioles Hot Stove Show. He called Alonso’s arrival “exciting” and emphasized what the slugger brings beyond just power.

A Veteran Presence With Serious Power

Alonso’s five-year, $155 million contract gives Baltimore the dangerous middle-of-the-order bat it’s been missing. The right-left combo of Ward and Alonso forms a dynamic tandem that can really punish pitchers.

Ward pointed out that Alonso’s presence will “protect” young stars like Gunnar Henderson. Pitchers can’t just pitch around Baltimore’s emerging core anymore. Leadership and clubhouse vibes, Ward noted, matter just as much as home runs for winning over the long haul.

Taylor Ward’s Personal Goals for 2026

Baltimore acquired Ward in a Nov. 19 trade that sent pitcher Grayson Rodriguez out. Ward was the right-handed power bat the Orioles wanted this winter.

Now he’s focused on getting ready. Ward said he hopes to log between 60 and 70 at-bats during spring training, following the coaching staff’s plan and making sure he’s set to contribute from Day One.

Renewed Focus on Baserunning

Ward’s putting more attention on speed this season. He’s mostly known for power, but he’s stolen 24 bases in 35 career attempts and thinks he can get back to the aggressive baserunning he showed in the minors.

• More communication with the baserunning coach
• Better reads and jumps
• Taking advantage of openings created by Alonso’s presence

Power Numbers Highlight Baltimore’s Upside

The Orioles’ lineup already has some elite raw power. Jordan Westburg crushed the team’s longest homer of 2025—a 461-foot blast off Aaron Bummer on July 5 in Atlanta. That’s a reminder of the thump already in place.

Gunnar Henderson led the league in exit velocity and barrels. Those metrics say his production could climb even higher with more lineup protection.

Pitching Picture Becomes More Complicated

The offense looks better, but the pitching situation is still in flux. The Miami Herald says Baltimore isn’t chasing Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera anymore. He’s under team control through 2028 but has had shoulder and elbow issues.

Eflin Signing Comes With Caveats

The Orioles added veteran Zach Eflin on a one-year, $10 million deal with a mutual option for 2027. The contract features a $3 million signing bonus, performance incentives, and an option that could max out at $30 million.

Eflin is coming back from August back surgery and will ramp up slowly in camp. That probably means he’ll miss Opening Day, which leaves some uncertainty at the front of the rotation.

Looking Ahead to the Draft

Baseball America’s early mock draft has Baltimore taking Sawyer Strosnider, an outfielder from TCU, with its first pick.

They’ve also linked Texas A&M third baseman Gavin Grahovac to the Orioles for a later selection.

Baltimore gave up its Competitive Balance Round A pick when it traded it to Tampa Bay in the Shane Baz deal.

Moves like that really show how much the team’s current push to contend is shaping what happens down the line.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Leftovers for breakfast