Why Red Sox Fans Shouldn’t Sleep On Orioles In 2026
It would be unwise for the Boston Red Sox or their fan base to underestimate the Baltimore Orioles. While the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays (who are already making huge moves this offseason) and the ever-dangerous New York Yankees are the two teams most concerning to the Red Sox in the AL East, Baltimore could be primed for a resurgence in 2026.
Although the Orioles just missed the postseason for the first time in three years, Baltimore still has a young core that contributed to a 101-win season in 2023. With a fresh voice in the manager’s chair in Craig Albernaz, the Orioles are ready to keep building something special around Gunnar Henderson and Trevor Rogers, and from the sound of a new report from New York Post‘s Jon Heyman, Baltimore’s front office is locked and loaded for a big winter.
“The Orioles look like a potential winter wild card as they work hard to bounce back from a shockingly disappointing season,” Heyman wrote (subscription required). “They are pursuing a frontline starter, closer and big bat. Assuming Díaz is too rich for them, they have a bevy of closing options (Suarez, Pete Fairbanks, Luke Weaver, Brad Keller, Ryan Helsley and Kenley Jansen — though Weaver, Keller and Helsley are each weighing making the transition to starter).”
“They’ve checked in on the very top starters, including Valdez, Imai and Cease (before he signed), but one of the cost-effective and accomplished free agent alternatives, who include Michael King and Zac Gallen, would suffice,” Heyman continued.
“The Orioles are among many pursuing Schwarber as he’s a nice fit for their 1B/DH need. They also checked on Alonso, but that may be slightly less likely now that they’ve tendered Ryan Mountcastle a contract.”
If Baltimore does indeed make a splash this offseason, the AL East will become that much more competitive in 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays are still a team to watch, too. There won’t be much room for error in the division, and it could stay that way for years to come.