Orioles Aim to Repeat Blue Jays' Worst-to-First Turnaround

Baltimore makes major offseason moves to challenge AL East powerhouses

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:43pm

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The Baltimore Orioles are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and replicate the Toronto Blue Jays' worst-to-first turnaround in the highly competitive AL East division. The Orioles made several high-profile acquisitions in the offseason, including Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, Ryan Helsley, Chris Bassitt, and Pete Alonso, in an effort to transform the team and challenge the division's established powers like the Yankees and Red Sox.

Why it matters

The Orioles' offseason moves demonstrate their commitment to quickly rebuilding and returning to contention in the AL East after a last-place finish in 2025. If successful, the Orioles could pull off a dramatic turnaround similar to the Blue Jays' rise to the top of the division last season, shaking up the balance of power in the AL East.

The details

The Orioles acquired several key players in the offseason, including outfielder Taylor Ward, pitchers Shane Baz and Ryan Helsley, starter Chris Bassitt, and first baseman Pete Alonso. This diverse set of additions is aimed at bolstering both the Orioles' lineup and pitching staff as they look to challenge the division's established powers like the Yankees and Red Sox.

  • The Orioles finished the 2024 season as the second-best team in the AL East, trailing the New York Yankees.
  • In the 2025 season, the Orioles fell to last place in the division with a 75-87 record.
  • The Orioles made their major offseason moves during the 2025-2026 offseason, prior to the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Taylor Ward

An outfielder acquired by the Orioles in the offseason to help boost their lineup.

Shane Baz

A pitcher acquired by the Orioles in the offseason to strengthen their pitching staff.

Ryan Helsley

A pitcher acquired by the Orioles in the offseason to strengthen their pitching staff.

Chris Bassitt

A starting pitcher acquired by the Orioles in the offseason to bolster their rotation.

Pete Alonso

A first baseman acquired by the Orioles in the offseason to provide power and run production.

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What they’re saying

“The AL East is baseball's most competitive division, but in Craig Albernaz's first season as manager, the Orioles have a chance to do what the Blue Jays did last year—go from worst to first.”

— Tim Kelly

What’s next

The Orioles will look to quickly integrate their new acquisitions and challenge the division's established powers like the Yankees and Red Sox for the AL East title in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Orioles' aggressive offseason moves demonstrate their determination to rapidly rebuild and return to contention in the AL East. If successful, the Orioles could pull off a dramatic worst-to-first turnaround similar to the Blue Jays' rise to the top of the division last season, shaking up the balance of power in one of baseball's most competitive divisions.