For Baltimore Orioles fans, spring training has finally received a much-needed upgrade.
The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network will televise 20 O’s spring training games this year, a significant increase from the four to nine games typically broadcast in previous seasons.
This change comes as a result of the Washington Nationals departing from MASN, a move that has been in the works for some time. The expanded coverage is welcome news, particularly given how limited and frustrating spring training broadcasts had been in the past.
This year, fans will finally have the opportunity to watch young players compete for roster spots, see Pete Alonso in an Orioles uniform for the first time and observe new manager Craig Albernaz leading his first games.
In previous years, viewing opportunities were largely a matter of luck, hoping you were available during one of the few televised games and, if fortunate, catching a glimpse of a prospect or two.
The Nationals’ departure also raises questions about how MASN will operate during the regular season. Reports indicate that MASN2 will no longer exist, which should provide cable subscribers with some peace of mind. No more flipping on MASN only to find a Nationals broadcast instead of the Orioles.
Last season, the MASN App finally introduced subscription options for non-cable users, allowing fans to purchase monthly or full-season access. That option will remain in place, though it would not be surprising to see subscription prices rise. Even so, the service remains worthwhile for fans who want consistent access to games.
While there has been progress off the field, uncertainty remains on the roster front, most notably surrounding free agent left-hander Framber Valdez.
The Orioles and New York Mets are reportedly the primary suitors, with several other teams also expressing interest, including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays. At this point, it is unclear whether the O’s are hesitant to commit or if Valdez himself is uninterested in coming to Charm City.
That uncertainty is unsettling, particularly in light of comments made by fellow left-hander Ranger Suárez following his signing with Boston, in which he stated he chose the Red Sox over other teams like the Orioles.
While players are fully entitled to choose their preferred destination, it is frustrating for fans to see Baltimore turned down by the few impact free agents needed to remain competitive in 2026.
Pitchers and catchers report to Sarasota in less than two weeks, and it increasingly feels unlikely that the Orioles will make any additional rotation upgrades beyond a potential Justin Verlander signing, an outcome that would be disappointing given the team’s needs.
The starting rotation is not the only area still requiring attention, however. The bullpen could also benefit from reinforcements, and a familiar name remains available.
Left-hander Danny Coulombe is still a free agent, and he is an arm that should be firmly on president of baseball operations and acting-GM Mike Elias’ radar.
Pairing Coulombe with Andrew Kittredge and Ryan Helsley would make the O’s bullpen nearly unrecognizable compared to last season’s group.
Relief pitchers often sign later in the offseason, closer to the start of spring training, and Coulombe remains a logical and attainable option to help stabilize the pitching staff.
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