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It’s a real rush following a team that’s active in free agency. The Orioles flushed a disappointing 2025 by making several moves that should significantly improve the team this season. The Pete Alonso deal rivaled the Corbin Burnes trade as the most exciting offseason acquisition in recent memory. The Birds brought in an established closer, acquired multiple starting pitchers, and added players that can make an impact on both sides of the ball.
The Chris Bassitt signing likely marked the last major transaction until the trade deadline in July, but I’m not ready for the Orioles to stop adding production. Now, with spring training underway, I’m looking for players that can exceed their projected value and emerge as an X factor this year.
I’ve already made the case for Blaze Alexander and Albert Suárez. Alexander looks like an everyday player with Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg sidelined. Holliday remains optimistic for a quick recovery, but things have taken a darker turn with Westburg’s partial UCL tear. Alexander can play second, shortstop or third base while adding additional versatility in the outfield.
Suárez started yesterday and allowed one run in a pair of innings. The veteran could carve out a valuable role as a multi-inning reliever while still maintaining the ability to make a spot start or two if needed.
Tyler O’Neill provided -0.3 WAR last season while struggling to stay on the field. The Orioles inked O’Neill to a $49.5 million dollar deal with an opt out after last season. To no surprise, O’Neill did not opt out after making only 54 appearances last season.
The Orioles gave this guy $50 million because they believed in his bat. O’Neill slugged 31 homers while posting a 217 wRC+ against lefties in 2024. There’s no guarantee that O’Neill will return to form—and there’s even less reason to believe he’ll stay healthy—but he’s a prime example of a guy that can provide more value than he did last season.
O’Neill will face more competition for playing time this season. Baltimore added slugger Taylor Ward from the Angels, and Dylan Beavers looked like an everyday player at the end of last season. That being said, O’Neill would make for a prime platoon candidate with the left-handed Beavers. If he hits, and he’s healthy, the Orioles will make room for O’Neill.
On the other hand, there’s not much competition for Colton Cowser in center field. Leody Taveras will make the team if Baltimore feels it needs a true center fielder on the bench, but he’s not a threat to steal at bats. Cowser possesses the level of job security that’s up there with Alonso and Gunnar Henderson. That may bring some comfort, but it also adds pressure.
Cowser hit below the Mendoza Line over 92 games last season. Imagine the type of value spike he can provide if he matches his 120 OPS+ and 3.1 bWAR from his rookie campaign in 2024.
Staying in the outfield, 2025 marked another lost season for Heston Kjerstad. The former first-round pick faces an uphill battle for playing time this season, but there’s an early buzz about the 27-year-old’s power in Sarasota.
Adley Rutschman sits firmly at the top of the bounceback candidate list, but there’s real optimism there. If we’re looking for guys further under the radar, the bullpen is the place to search.
This could be Yennier Cano’s last chance to recapture the magic of his rookie season. Cano posted a disappointing 5.12 ERA and 79 ERA+ last season. He may never replicate the 194 ERA+ from 2023, but even his 123 ERA+ (3.15 ERA) from 2024 would add stability to an unestablished bunch of relievers.
The Orioles appear content to start the season with Keegan Akin as their top lefty. Akin’s 3.41 ERA and 118 ERA+ from last year is really all anyone should expect from the 30-year-old at this point. If a southpaw is going to emerge as an X-factor in the bullpen, it would likely have to be Grant Wolfram, Dietrich Enns or non-roster invite Eric Torres. Wolfram has struck out five batters in two innings of work this spring.
All of these guys are on the list because they could exceed expectations this season. The number of players that outperform projections will have a direct impact on how the team performs overall. The stars need to deliver, but these type of players can make the difference over a 162-game season.