Orioles Embrace Trash Talk in Bullpen Session

Players encouraged to engage in spirited banter during live drills

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles spent their live bullpen session on Thursday engaging in some friendly trash talk and chirping, inspired by New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso and at the direction of Orioles coach Craig Albernaz. The team embraced the competitive spirit, with players on both sides of the mound exchanging playful jabs during the drills.

Why it matters

Fostering a competitive, high-energy environment during spring training can help build camaraderie and sharpen players' focus as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Orioles' approach aligns with a league-wide trend of teams encouraging players to engage in good-natured trash talk to keep practices lively and intense.

The details

Orioles coach Craig Albernaz directed the players to engage in trash talk and banter during the live bullpen session, drawing inspiration from the antics of Mets star Pete Alonso. The players on both sides of the mound embraced the challenge, exchanging playful jabs and chirps throughout the drills.

  • The live bullpen session took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Craig Albernaz

An Orioles coach who encouraged the players to engage in trash talk during the bullpen session.

Pete Alonso

A star slugger for the New York Mets, whose competitive spirit and trash-talking antics inspired the Orioles' approach.

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What they’re saying

“We want our guys to have fun and get fired up out there. A little trash talk can go a long way in keeping the energy high during these early spring training sessions.”

— Craig Albernaz, Orioles Coach (capitalgazette.com)

The takeaway

The Orioles' embrace of trash talk and competitive spirit during spring training drills reflects a broader trend in Major League Baseball of teams encouraging players to engage in good-natured banter and exchanges to foster a high-intensity, team-building environment as they prepare for the upcoming season.