Pitchers and catchers reported Tuesday in Sarasota, FL, officially opening Baltimore Orioles spring training and signaling the start of the club’s 2026 season.
With position players required to be in camp by Feb. 16, the first day also served as a media availability for president of baseball operations and acting-GM Mike Elias, whose comments largely centered on the club’s rotation, recent roster moves and a significant organizational investment in player development.
Unsurprisingly, Elias was asked about Baltimore’s inability to land a front-line starter this winter and whether there remains a window to do so.
“We are staying plugged in with both the trade and free agent markets,” Elias said. “There is still a possibility for external additions, but I think our rotation is very strong and very talented.”
The Orioles missed out on targets such as Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, though Elias emphasized that the club continues to explore upgrades and acknowledged the challenges of adding starters late in camp.
“Late signings can be tricky,” Elias said. “Historically, they tend not to work out as well as those that happen earlier. We are very mindful of that.”
Elias also addressed the recent trade that sent reliever Kade Strowd to Arizona for utility player Blaze Alexander, citing a need for infield depth and versatility.
“Blaze can play basically every position except catcher,” Elias said. “He hits right-handed and brings a lot of physical tools. It was a good roster fit for us.”
Despite dealing from the bullpen, Elias expressed confidence in the relief group and the organization’s pitching development infrastructure.
“We have got a very strong bullpen,” he said. “We have shown an ability to bring in arms and continue to improve them.”
Elias indicated that Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers enter camp as the leading outfield options, with Leody Taveras expected to contribute defensively. He also noted that Coby Mayo could see time in the corner outfield, though first base remains a priority.
Perhaps the most notable development of the day came off the field, as the Orioles officially opened their new 47,700-square-foot player development complex at Ed Smith Stadium. The facility features climate-controlled batting areas, indoor mounds, biomechanics and pitch-design labs, classrooms and year-round training space.
“This is a huge advantage for us,” Elias said. “It is one of the best spring training setups in Florida.”
Baltimore also continues to invest at the major and minor-league levels, with renovations underway at Camden Yards and several affiliates.
As camp opens, the Orioles reported no significant injuries. Position battles, rotation clarity and the progress of pitchers such as Zach Eflin, Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish will be among the early storylines to watch in the days ahead.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for day two of SpringNotes. Day one was a good step forward into the season, and hopefully, there are more good steps to come.
What are your thoughts on day one of camp? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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