Orioles Face Crucial Offseason Decisions on Player Roster

As the Baltimore Orioles transition into the offseason, player news has been a central topic of discussion, particularly regarding arbitration candidates and injuries that plagued the roster in 2025. The team is poised to make significant decisions that could shape its future as it aims to return to contention in the competitive AL East.

Arbitration Candidates and Roster Decisions

The Orioles will have 14 players eligible for arbitration this offseason, marking one of the largest classes in Major League Baseball. Notably, Yennier Cano, who had an impressive 2.11 ERA in 2023, saw his performance dip to a 5.12 ERA this past year, raising questions about his future with the team. Other players like Alex Jackson and his $1.8 million estimated salary are also under scrutiny. The team's management will need to weigh the value of retaining these players against the need for an overhaul, especially in the bullpen, which has been highlighted as a critical area for improvement.

The organization has also been evaluating its catching situation, as both Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo are set to contribute significantly to the team's future. With speculation about Jackson's place on the roster, the Orioles will need to determine how many catchers they can realistically retain.

Injury Reports: Westburg and the Impact of a Lost Season

Injuries have impacted several key players, most notably Jordan Westburg, whose 2025 season was marred by time on the injured list. Despite his struggles, Westburg managed to hit two home runs in the final series against the Yankees, providing a glimmer of hope. However, the overall performance of the former All-Star raises concerns about his long-term contributions, especially after hitting just .200 in his last 12 games.

Additionally, Albert Suárez is facing an MRI to assess an elbow injury that ended his season early. The results will determine if he faces surgery, which could further complicate the Orioles' pitching plans moving forward.

Future Considerations for the Orioles

With Mike Elias now in charge of baseball operations, the Orioles are also looking to add a general manager to support their efforts in the coming seasons. Elias has expressed a desire for fresh perspectives as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The focus will be on blending the insights of established figures with new talent to optimize their roster strategy.

As the offseason unfolds, the Orioles will need to balance retaining promising players while making tough decisions that could redefine their competitive edge in the league. The upcoming months will be critical for the franchise as it seeks to rebuild and return to its winning ways.

TL;DR

  • The Orioles will have 14 players eligible for arbitration, creating crucial roster decisions.
  • Yennier Cano's poor performance this season adds uncertainty to his future with the team.
  • Jordan Westburg's injury-plagued season raises concerns about his contributions moving forward.
  • Albert Suárez is scheduled for an MRI, which could determine his availability for the next season.