Orioles Finalize 26-Man Roster for Opening Day

Injuries open up spots, but lineup and rotation mostly set for 2026 season

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:09pm

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The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing their 26-man roster ahead of Opening Day next week. While they will be without a few key players to start the season due to injuries, the lineup and starting rotation are largely set. The final roster decisions will come down to the makeup of the bench and bullpen.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and make a push for the playoffs in 2026. How they construct their 26-man roster to start the year will be crucial to their success, especially with some key injuries to overcome.

The details

The Orioles will be without infielders Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg to start the season, although Holliday is expected to miss only a week or two. The injuries have opened up a couple roster spots, but the lineup and rotation are largely set. The final decisions will come down to the bench and bullpen, including who will fill in at second base and third base with the injuries. The Orioles made a big offseason move to sign closer Ryan Helsley, and they'll also be relying on a revamped starting rotation led by Trevor Rogers and newcomer Shane Baz.

  • Opening Day is about a week away for the Orioles.
  • Holliday is expected to miss only a week or two to start the season.
  • Westburg could be out until at least May and may land on the 60-day injured list.
  • Closer Felix Bautista is expected to miss most of the 2026 season after shoulder surgery.
  • Reliever Andrew Kittredge will likely start the season on the 15-day injured list.

The players

Gunnar Henderson

Shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles.

Trevor Rogers

Starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and one of the best pitchers in the league last season.

Ryan Helsley

Closer signed by the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason to replace the injured Felix Bautista.

Jackson Holliday

Infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who is expected to miss only the first week or two of the season due to injury.

Jordan Westburg

Infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who could miss the first couple months of the season due to a partially torn UCL in his elbow.

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What’s next

The Orioles will need to monitor the progress of Holliday and Westburg's injuries and determine if either will need to start the season on the injured list. They will also have to finalize their bench and bullpen before Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Orioles are poised to build on their strong 2025 season, but will need to navigate some early-season injuries to key players. Their revamped starting rotation and new closer could be the difference-makers as they aim to return to the playoffs.