Insider Names Biggest Strength for Orioles

MLB Network's Jon Morosi believes Baltimore's starting rotation will be the team's biggest strength in 2026.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After falling short of expectations in 2025, the Baltimore Orioles are aiming for a bounce-back season in 2026. While their lineup has garnered attention, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi believes the team's starting rotation will be its biggest strength this upcoming season.

Why it matters

Starting pitching was one of the main issues for the Orioles missing the playoffs in 2025, as the staff was marred by injuries and inconsistent play. However, with their rotation now healthy and bolstered by key offseason additions, the Orioles are hoping their starting pitching can propel them back into the postseason.

The details

Morosi cited the Orioles' offseason moves, including adding Chris Bassitt and acquiring Shane Baz, as well as the expected return to health of pitchers like Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells, as reasons why the rotation could be a major strength. The Orioles are also counting on a bounce-back season from Trevor Rogers, who is expected to be the ace of the staff after posting a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts last year.

  • The Orioles missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022 in the 2025 season.
  • Kyle Bradish made just six starts at the end of the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery that cut his 2024 season short.
  • Tyler Wells did not return until the end of the 2025 campaign, as he was rehabbing from UCL surgery.
  • Zach Eflin was limited to just 14 starts last year due to back problems.
  • Trevor Rogers began the 2025 season on the injured list after partially tearing his right kneecap during spring training.

The players

Jon Morosi

An MLB Network insider who believes the Orioles' starting rotation will be the team's biggest strength in 2026.

Kyle Bradish

An Orioles starting pitcher who made just six starts at the end of the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery that cut his 2024 season short.

Tyler Wells

An Orioles starting pitcher who did not return until the end of the 2025 campaign, as he was rehabbing from UCL surgery.

Zach Eflin

An Orioles starting pitcher who was limited to just 14 starts last year due to back problems.

Trevor Rogers

An Orioles starting pitcher who is expected to be the ace of their staff in 2026 after posting a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts last year.

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What they’re saying

“I believe this rotation is going to be a strength. They just added in the last several weeks, Chris Bassitt and of course, traded for Shane Baz; they expect [Kyle] Bradish to be healthy. This is a team that I look at in the American League East and say they might have the biggest year-over-year win increase of any team in the American League.”

— Jon Morosi, MLB Network Insider (MLB Network)

The takeaway

After a disappointing 2025 season marred by injuries to their starting rotation, the Orioles are hoping their revamped and healthy pitching staff can propel them back into the playoffs in 2026 and potentially be the biggest surprise team in the American League.