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Orioles' Offseason Moves Signal Turnaround After 75-87 Season
After a 75-87 finish, the team's roster changes create a clear starting point for locals looking to follow the action.
How we reported this
The Baltimore Orioles enter 2026 with a retooled roster after finishing last in the AL East at 75-87, giving fans a concrete set of players and storylines to track from the first pitch onward.
The moves matter now because the club added several established names during the winter, shifting expectations from another rebuilding year to one where supporters can follow a mix of familiar faces and new additions in real time. Local viewers who want to start watching can focus on the updated lineup and rotation rather than waiting for midseason adjustments.
Baltimore residents can begin by checking daily updates on the club's six-man rotation and monitoring how early injuries alter the Opening Day picture, which provides an immediate way to stay connected without needing advanced knowledge of prior seasons.
Offseason Additions and Rotation Details
According to the Locked In Baseball podcast episode from March 2026, the Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a five-year deal worth 155 million dollars, acquired Taylor Ward in a trade that sent Grayson Rodriguez to another club, and brought in Shane Baz through a deal that included four prospects and a compensatory pick. Additional signings included Chris Bassitt on a one-year contract, Ryan Helsley for two years at 28 million dollars, Zack Efflin for one year at 10 million dollars, Andrew Kittredge, Leody Taveras, Bla1 Alexander and Jackson Kowar. The projected rotation listed Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Chris Bassitt, Shane Baz, Zack Efflin and Dean Kremer.
Injuries and Fan Starting Points
Two key players already face absences, with Jackson Holliday recovering from surgery on a broken hammate bone in his right hand and expected back sometime in April, while Jordan Westburg deals with a partial UCL tear in his right elbow that could sideline him through at least the end of April or longer. The lineup without them features Gunnar Henderson, Taylor Ward, Pete Alonso, Adley Rutschman, Dylan Bevers, Colton Cowser, Bla1 Alexander, Samuel Basayio and Kobe Mayo at third base. Fans new to following the club can start by noting these names and the bullpen group that includes Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano, while recognizing that Felix Bautista will miss the entire year after shoulder surgery. This information supplies a direct entry point for tracking games and roster moves without additional background research.
Supporters can stay engaged by following the new manager Craig Albernaz through regular game notes and lineup announcements, which keeps attention on whether the additions can shift the team from its prior standing.