The excitement about the Orioles’ addition of Pete Alonso is palpable around town, in text messages or phone calls among friends. The Alonso signing is a statement that the Orioles are a team serious about winning now.
I have known and observed Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias since the day he was hired in November 2018. I think he is very smart but not warm and fuzzy. He is someone who is firm in his beliefs about how to build a baseball team. Those who have been harsh in their critiques of him were not aware of his financial constraints when he was part of a John Angelos-led ballclub.
One thing about Elias — he’s not a smiler. That’s why I observed something highly unusual during the Alonso introductory news conference. It came when owner David Rubenstein was again making it crystal clear that there simply aren’t constraints on Elias’ budget in putting this team together to try to bring home a championship.
Rubenstein was emphatic as to how well-funded ownership is and how committed it was to putting together a team capable of winning a championship. Elias must have thought he was in heaven listening to his boss make such a declaration. Elias almost had to stop himself from bursting with laughter. It was as if Vincent Van Gough had someone telling him he didn’t have to worry about paying for paint anymore.
So with that in mind, just how does Elias finish the job and give rookie skipper Craig Albernaz a fully loaded roster?
Right now, I count 11 of 13 position players all but set — two catchers in Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman, four infielders in Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg and five outfielders in Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Leody Taveras and Taylor Ward.
That leaves two spots open. Ryan Mountcastle was tendered a contract and is expected to earn about $7.75 million in 2026. I admire and like Elias, but I have pulled a bit of blood scratching my head on that one.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah Jackson is expected to compete for a utility spot. The problems with Jackson are two-fold. Defensively, he turned out fine in right field last year but looked awkward at second base and especially at third base. The second problem with Jackson is how much the bat regressed in September. He hit .323/.344/.484 with nine extra-base hits in August, then hit .221/.310/.403 with eight extra-base hits in September.
To me, Jackson is a nice depth piece at Triple-A Norfolk, not the answer for a team with championship aspirations. I say either bring back Ramón Urías or bring in former Angels switch-hitter Luis Rengifo. Sure, these guys will cost $5 million to $6 million. But, Mike, remember why you were smiling last Friday.
I also think the O’s need another catcher, maybe one tucked away in Norfolk or one in place of Mountcastle.
Thirteen pitchers will come north with Albernaz, and there are still three or four spots up for grabs. Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer and Trevor Rogers figure to be in the rotation. Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge and Kade Strowd look like safe bets for the bullpen. It remains to be seen what roles Cade Povich and Tyler Wells will fill in 2026.
I don’t have Yennier Cano on my preliminary staff. He’ll only cost about $1.8 million for 2026, but he also isn’t very good. My No. 1 choice for more right-handed relief help would be Brad Keller, but I think too many teams want him more than Elias does. How about recently non-tendered ex-Brave Pierce Johnson? He is 34 years old with 330 games of experience. He has 379 strikeouts in 315.2 career innings. The ageless Chris Martin would be a super choice on a one-year deal. Former Yankees Luke Weaver or Ian Hamilton would also be better choices for that spot. And if push came to shove, Rico Garcia would be better than Cano.
I’d also like to see the Orioles pursue another lefty reliever to team up with Akin and Enns. My No. 1 choice here is Drew Pomeranz on a one-year contract, but Sean Newcomb and Jalen Beeks would be solid adds as well.
You’ll notice I haven’t mentioned Coby Mayo yet. That’s because like just about everyone, I strongly sense his time in Birdland is about to come to end, most likely as the centerpiece in a trade with the Miami Marlins for right-handed starter Edward Cabrera or maybe as part of a package to the Milwaukee Brewers for Freddy Peralta. I’d love Washington Nationals lefty Mackenzie Gore, but my guess is owner Mark Lerner still isn’t of a mindset to help the Orioles.
Another starter will eventually be signed out of the free-agent packet of Tatsuya Imai, Zac Gallen, Michael King, Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez.
With no starting pitcher in the pipeline ready to help the major league club, the Orioles should also explore a comeback candidate like ex-Dodger Tony Gonsolin.
It may seem like nitpicking to worry about the 12th and 13th spots on the pitching staff or whether Jackson and Mountcastle are on the Opening Day roster, but Elias had that smile on his face. I saw it. To me, that means he knows he can do a lot better and it doesn’t have to cost him more than he can afford.
See Also:
• Stan ‘The Fan’ Charles: Will Orioles’ Spending Spree Pay Off At Camden Yards Turnstiles?
• Stan ‘The Fan’ Charles: Ryan Helsley Likely To Rebound With Orioles, But Don’t Fall In Love
• Stan ‘The Fan’ Charles: Orioles Value Certainty In Grayson Rodriguez-Taylor Ward Swap
• Stan ‘The Fan’ Charles: Orioles Manager Craig Albernaz Inherits Better Situation Than Predecessor
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles