Stan 'The Fan' Charles Predicts The Orioles' 2026 Opening Day Roster

Injuries to key infielders complicate the Orioles' roster decisions ahead of Opening Day

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:37pm

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Stan "The Fan" Charles shares his early projection for the Orioles' 2026 Opening Day roster, noting that injuries to third baseman Jordan Westburg and second baseman Jackson Holliday have complicated the team's plans. Charles lays out his predictions for the starting rotation, bullpen, catchers, outfielders, and infielders, acknowledging that the roster could change due to other injuries, trades, and performances in spring training.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to build on their recent success and make a push for the playoffs in 2026. Charles' roster prediction provides insight into the team's potential strengths and weaknesses heading into the new season, as well as the impact of key injuries on their lineup and pitching staff.

The details

Charles' initial 26-man roster projection includes a starting rotation of Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, Dean Kremer, and Zach Eflin, with a bullpen of Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Albert Suárez, Dietrich Enns, and Grant Wolfram. The catching duo is Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo, while the outfield features Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers, Tyler O'Neill, and Leody Taveras. The infield is headlined by Pete Alonso, Blaze Alexander, Gunnar Henderson, and Coby Mayo, with two additional spots likely going to Jeremiah Jackson, Bryan Ramos, or Thairo Estrada.

  • Westburg (partially torn UCL) had a PRP injection and is going to be out at least two months, perhaps longer.
  • Holliday (broken hamate bone) will most likely be out until mid-April.

The players

Jordan Westburg

The Orioles' third baseman who is out for at least two months with a partially torn UCL.

Jackson Holliday

The Orioles' second baseman who will likely be out until mid-April with a broken hamate bone.

Trevor Rogers

One of the Orioles' starting pitchers in the projected 2026 Opening Day rotation.

Adley Rutschman

The Orioles' starting catcher and one half of their catching duo.

Pete Alonso

One of the Orioles' projected starting infielders for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The injury bug bit swiftly this spring as two the Orioles' four infielders are out with injuries that impact their status for Opening Day.”

— Stan Charles, Writer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This early roster projection highlights the Orioles' need to navigate key injuries to their infield as they look to build on their recent success and make a push for the playoffs in 2026.