The time for hibernation is over. If you spent the winter cocooned in your rowhome (or only paid attention to another ill-fated Ravens season), Camden Yards will soon be rocking.
This was an offseason of tremendous change for the Orioles. It began with the hiring of manager Craig Albernaz and continued with the eye-popping signing of free agent first baseman Pete Alonso. After a 2025 season that fell apart early, Baltimore is aiming to make immediate amends and return to the postseason.
These are the most important things to know before opening day on Thursday. First pitch is 3:05 p.m. (gates open at noon).
What changes have been made to the coaching staff heading into this season?
Albernaz leads the way. The Orioles chose the 43-year-old to lead the Orioles as a first-time manager in the majors. He joined after serving as the associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians and he brings a mixture of exuberance and accountability that has been well received by players.
Albernaz and the front office built out a staff that features both experienced and fresh-faced members. That includes hitting coaches Dustin Lind and Brady North. Lind, the lead hitting coach, may be new to the organization, but his philosophies have shaped the Orioles for years.
The Orioles hired Donnie Ecker as their bench coach, tabbing a hitting-minded coach with a larger role overseeing more of the team. Albernaz has charged Ecker with leading the defensive running game, which means Ecker calls certain pickoff plays from the dugout for the catcher and infield to perform.
Despite the changes, however, the pitching coaches remained the same. Baltimore’s brass thinks highly of the group led by Drew French.
Who are the key players fans should know on this year’s roster?
As ever, shortstop Gunnar Henderson is a must-watch player, and he’s expected to be one of the best hitters in baseball. According to FanGraphs’ projections, Henderson’s six projected wins above replacement (a measure in which zero represents the production of a readily available minor leaguer) are the sixth-most among major league batters.
Alonso, signed on a five-year, $155 million contract, will also be a star at first base. He’s coming off a season in which he hit 38 home runs with a .871 on-base-plus-slugging percentage for the New York Mets.
There are several other hitters to watch, such as catching tandem Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo and newly acquired outfielder Taylor Ward. And on the pitching side, free agent signing Ryan Helsley will take the ball in save situations late in games, while Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish appear to be a one-two punch atop the starting rotation.
What does the starting rotation look like, and what are expectations for the pitching staff?
The Orioles didn’t acquire an ace for the staff, but they believe that Rogers and Bradish can be the front-line starters. Rogers will take the ball on opening day after producing a stellar 2025 season that ended with him holding a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts. Bradish, who has seldom pitched the last two years due to elbow surgery, has the potential to be a dominant arm.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) and catcher Samuel Basallo (29) walk together to the dugout ahead of a spring training game in Florida last month. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)
Baltimore did improve its rotation depth by re-signing Zach Eflin, signing Chris Bassitt and trading for Shane Baz. That trio rounds out the rotation on opening day.
Eflin, who underwent back surgery in August, appears to be back to his best. Bassitt has been lauded for his leadership, and the 37-year-old has been incredibly consistent during his career. And Baz excites many within the organization with his potential.
What offseason moves did the Orioles make, and how could they shape the season?
The additions of Alonso and Bassitt did more than just add home runs and a consistent pitcher. They bring veteran leadership to a clubhouse that appeared to lack it at the end of last season, when the trade deadline saw Baltimore lose some of its main voices.
The new players, including Helsley and infielder Blaze Alexander, should carry important roles. Alexander will likely be the main second baseman until Jackson Holliday returns from a broken hamate bone in his hand, and Helsley has the responsibility of closing tight games.
What are experts saying about the Orioles’ World Series chances?
The Orioles are not a World Series favorite this year. According to projections from the analytical site FanGraphs, the Orioles only have a 3.1% chance of winning it all. But then again, if the Orioles make the postseason (FanGraphs projects that as a 52.2% chance), anything can happen in October.
Fans watch an exhibition baseball game between the Orioles and the Washington Nationals at Camden Yards. (Terrance Williams for The Banner)
Baltimore is playing in a stacked American League East. All five teams are projected to win 79.8 games or more, according to FanGraphs. The Orioles are projected to finish fourth with 83.6 wins, narrowly behind the Boston Red Sox (84.8 wins), Toronto Blue Jays (84.9 wins) and New York Yankees (86.6 wins).
Other models find similar odds. Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA standings have the Orioles winning 83.6 games, behind 88.1 and 88 wins for the Blue Jays and Yankees, respectively. ESPN projects the Orioles to win 86 games, and the network gave Baltimore a 54% chance to reach the playoffs.
They play the actual games for a reason, though. We’ll find out together.
What storylines should fans be watching as the season gets underway?
There will be eyes on Coby Mayo at third base. He is expected to replace the injured Jordan Westburg, and the Orioles are banking on Mayo realizing his potential. Mayo hasn’t yet performed at a consistent level in the majors, but when given everyday playing time in September last year, Mayo hit .301 with a .941 OPS.
Baltimore is relying on improvement from Rutschman. The former first overall pick has star potential (and he showed it with an .809 OPS in 2023), but he regressed the last two years and struggled with injuries in 2025.
And for as much talent as the Orioles have, keeping everyone on the field is imperative. Last year, injuries struck again and again. Can Baltimore have better luck?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) during a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Florida last month. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)What were their biggest failures last season, and how have they addressed them?
Many things went poorly in 2025, so improvement doesn’t fall on one area. Still, there is plenty of pressure on Baltimore’s starting pitchers to get off to a better start than last year. Having Rogers and Bradish healthy on opening day is a good first step.
Additionally, introducing Ward and Alonso into the lineup can help improve results. Those formidable hitters provide protection for Henderson and others while taking pressure off some of the younger bats.
What is the state of the Orioles’ farm system, and what prospects could make an impact this year?
The farm system isn’t as loaded as years past, because many of those top prospects have graduated to the majors. But there are several pitching prospects worth keeping eyes on.
It starts with right-hander Trey Gibson, whose arsenal is full of deceptive movement. Left-hander Luis De León and right-handers Levi Wells and Nestor German also appear close to breakthroughs, even as soon as the midway point of this season.
One of the interesting fielders who could arrive this year is Enrique Bradfield Jr., whose blazing speed and strong outfield defense might make him a valuable contributor, even if his hitting lacks power.
What’s new at Camden Yards?
The video board and sound system should be the most noticeable changes, but there is also a new bar space beneath the scoreboard and a premium section behind home plate.
The club level also received renovations, including two new bar spaces with views of the field on the first and third base sides.
New food options include the Crab Smash Tacos and B’More Yak.
And if you can’t wait for baseball, the Orioles are allowing early access to batting practice for all ticketed fans. Gates A and H open 2 1/2 hours before first pitch for all night games on Monday through Thursday.
What festivities are happening for opening day?
New Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be on hand to serve as the “guest splasher” in the Bird Bath Splash Zone during the bottom of the second inning.
In the lead-up to the 3:05 p.m. start time, there will be music from DJ Mighty Mark, an ice sculptor, autographs from Orioles greats Al Bumbry and Joe Orsulak, and much, much more.
Prior to the game, touring Broadway performer India Boone will sing the national anthem and 109-year-old veteran Arthur Green will throw the ceremonial first pitch.