The first spring training game arrives Feb. 20 at Ed Smith Stadium, and fans can watch that one against the New York Yankees on MASN (along with 19 other exhibition games<\/a> this spring). <\/p>\n In the meantime, in case some fans slumbered through a busy winter of Orioles news, here\u2019s a guide to bring everyone up to speed. .<\/p>\n The new staff Baltimore handed the reins to Craig Albernaz<\/a>, a first-time manager, with the hopes his player development history and gregarious personality combine to rekindle the spark the Orioles lit at the beginning of their championship window.<\/p>\n Albernaz, 43, arrives from the Cleveland Guardians, with whom he served as associate manager under Stephen Vogt. Since arriving, Albernaz has laid out a vision for accountability from players and staff, coupled with an authenticity he says is imperative to fostering trust from his players. Albernaz speaks of the importance of fundamental baseball, and he helped convince first baseman Pete Alonso<\/a> to join Baltimore.<\/p>\n Among the new hires, Baltimore brought in bench coach Donnie Ecker<\/a> and hitting coach Dustin Lind. Lind\u2019s ideas shaped some of the Orioles\u2019 perspective on hitting<\/a>, long before he actually arrived. The pitching coaches, however, have remained the same, with Drew French leading that department.<\/p>\n The new players Alonso is the most notable addition to the Orioles. He signed a five-year, $155 million deal<\/a> that should elevate Baltimore\u2019s lineup while it also proves the willingness from ownership to spend. Alonso brings major thump to the batting order. The 31-year-old has slugged 34 or more home runs each of his last five seasons, and last year he posted a .272 average and .871 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, proving he\u2019s more than a pure power hitter.<\/a><\/p>\n Alonso also brings a veteran presence and an understanding of what it takes to reach the postseason. The five-time All-Star was part of the New York Mets\u2019 run to the National League Championship Series in 2024. When choosing his next team, Alonso said he felt Baltimore checked his boxes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve played on a couple winning teams, and, yes, you need talent, you need especially some young guys and a mix of veterans, and you need commitment from top to bottom,\u201d Alonso said. \u201cFor me, there was no hesitation at all. It was like, \u2018Yep, that\u2019s the team. Yep, these are the people. Yep, Baltimore\u2019s it.\u2019 I remember texting my wife, \u2018This is going to be the place for us. This is the place that really wants us. And this team, this organization, this is going to be it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n The Orioles also bolstered other parts of their roster, although they have yet to acquire a top-end starting pitcher<\/a>. Baltimore brought back right-hander Zach Eflin<\/a> and traded for right-hander Shane Baz<\/a>, and both are expected to be in a rotation competition that also includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, Cade Povich, Brandon Young and Tyler Wells.<\/p>\n With right-hander F\u00e9lix Bautista recovering from shoulder surgery<\/a>, president of baseball operations Mike Elias signed right-hander Ryan Helsley<\/a> to serve as the closer. He also traded for right-hander Andrew Kittredge<\/a>, reuniting with a reliever who could pitch in late-game situations.<\/p>\n One of the more stunning moves this winter came when Elias traded right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels for left fielder Taylor Ward. The 32-year-old is a power threat <\/a>from the right side of the plate, having launched 36 long balls in 2025.<\/p>\n Rounding out the position player acquisitions, Elias traded for utilityman Blaze Alexander<\/a> and signed center fielder Leody Taveras<\/a>, two depth pieces who should make the bench.<\/p>\n The bounce-back candidates It all starts with Adley Rutschman. The catcher has struggled at the plate for the last season and a half. In 2025, Rutschman finished with a .220 average and .673 OPS \u2014 both career lows \u2014 as he dealt with two oblique strains that forced him to miss time.<\/p>\n Rutschman\u2019s defense is a vital part of Baltimore\u2019s equation, especially with how he commands a pitching staff. But Rutschman\u2019s bat is equally important.<\/p>\n Rutschman produced an OPS over .800 each of his first two seasons. Then it dropped to .709 in 2024 and fell against last year.<\/p>\n Of course, Rutschman is just one of the several players in need of a rebound. <\/p>\n Outfielder Colton Cowser, who\u2019s expected to take the majority of time in center field, played through two rib fractures<\/a> and ended the year with a .196 average and .655 OPS \u2014 down from .242 and .768 in 2024.<\/p>\n Next to Cowser, outfielder Tyler O\u2019Neill\u2019s first priority will be staying on the field.<\/a> Injury issues kept O\u2019Neill limited him to 54 games. When healthy, O\u2019Neill struggled, recording a .199 average and .684 OPS.<\/p>\n And the list continues with second baseman Jackson Holliday, who only recently turned 22. Holliday has faced sky-high expectations as the former No. 1 overall pick and son of a seven-time All-Star<\/a>, and he has shown progress toward becoming an everyday player. But Holliday scuffled when facing left-handed pitching, especially, with a .572 OPS in those matchups.<\/p>\n Even mild improvement from these players and others could elevate the Orioles\u2019 offense back near the top of the league.<\/p>\n The MVP contender Gunnar Henderson will readily admit he\u2019s a bounce-back candidate as well, given the way he played last year. His OPS dropped by more than 100 points from 2024 to 2025. And yet Henderson still managed a .274 average and .787 OPS while dealing with a shoulder impingement<\/a> that impacted his swing.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/X43KXCPZH5BMVGJIAHWNFY6NN4.jpg\")
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz takes questions from reporters following a Birdland Caravan event in January. (Ulysses Mu\u00f1oz\/The Banner)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ZYLJCWETLJEKTCSDPQ4IB36YGY.jpg\")
Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso arrives for a Birdland Caravan event in January. (Ulysses Mu\u00f1oz\/The Banner)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/OTTEUZ43URDTVBH6HDKJLLMJ2A.jpg\")
Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman walks onto the field against the Tampa Bay Rays in September 2025. (Gail Burton\/AP)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/UI6PDPFIIBGXHJ7OYNRIPWQTYA.jpg\")
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson greets guests during a Birdland Caravan event in January. (Ulysses Mu\u00f1oz\/The Banner)<\/p>\n