With Opening Day just days away, it is time for a fan-favorite exercise: bold predictions.
Below are 10 hot takes for the 2026 season — some more plausible than others, all intentionally aggressive.
Disclaimer: These are HOT TAKES. They are meant to push the boundaries of reasonable expectation.
With that being said, let’s get spicy.
10. Tyler O’Neill plays 100+ games
At first glance, this may not sound particularly bold, but durability has long been the question with Tyler O’Neill, who has averaged just 80.5 games per season over his eight-year career.
He has reached the 100-game mark only twice and has just one season in the 90–100 range. Still, he has looked healthy this spring, offering optimism that 2026 could finally bring a full, productive campaign for The General.
9. Chris Bassitt sets a career-high in innings pitched
Chris Bassitt logged a career-high 200 innings in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays, averaging just over six innings per start across 33 outings. Now in Baltimore, he could approach — or surpass — that number again, particularly under new manager Craig Albernaz.
Albernaz comes from a Cleveland Guardians staff that emphasized length from its starters, finishing near the top of the league in innings pitched in 2025. Given Bassitt’s consistency and veteran profile, he could be trusted with a longer leash.
8. Levi Wells is the first Orioles prospect to debut
While the conventional choice might be one of the organization’s top-10-ranked prospects, this year’s race to the majors feels more open. Among a cluster of viable candidates, Levi Wells stands out.
He was arguably the most effective pitcher in Triple-A Norfolk last season compared to the likes of fellow top prospect right-handers Trey Gibson and Nestor German, and his well-rounded profile could earn him an early opportunity, whether as a spot starter or a roster addition for a doubleheader.
7. Dylan Beavers wins AL Rookie of the Year
The AL Rookie of the Year field is typically crowded with elite talent, but Dylan Beavers has a compelling case. Historically, the award has leaned toward hitters with a mix of strong contact and power production.
In a small 2025 sample, Beavers’ numbers project to roughly 116 hits, 19 home runs and 23 doubles over a full season, per 162-game averages. With a likely everyday role in 2026 and more experience, a breakout campaign is within reach for the 24-year-old.
6. Samuel Basallo plays 75% of O’s games at catcher
This would represent a significant shift, especially with Adley Rutschman still on the roster. But Baltimore did not commit long-term to Samuel Basallo to deploy him primarily as a designated hitter.
By mid-season, it is plausible Basallo takes over as the primary catcher, allowing Rutschman to see more time at DH. Development is a key factor, as Basallo needs consistent reps behind the plate to reach his ceiling. There is also some statistical backing: pitchers posted better results with Basallo catching in limited action, and his caught-stealing rate outperformed Rutschman’s last season.
5. Yennier Cano posts a sub-2.50 ERA
We have hit the halfway mark of the article, which means that the takes are getting nice and spicy. Yennier Cano’s 2025 season (5.12 ERA) was a clear step back, but his track record suggests rebound potential.
The last time Cano had that high of an ERA was in 2022 when he had a 11.50 mark. He followed the next season up with having a 2.11 ERA in 72 appearances. With less pressure following the addition of Ryan Helsley, Cano could thrive again in a setup role, especially with eliminating his changeup and instead implementing a splitter.
4. Three Orioles hit 40+ home runs
The trio: Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson and Taylor Ward.
Alonso is the safest bet, averaging 37 home runs per season and consistently ranking among the league’s top power hitters. Henderson has already flirted with the mark when healthy.
Ward is the wild card. Coming off a 36-homer season and ranking in the 84th percentile in barrel rate, he has the underlying metrics to make the leap.
3. Colton Cowser posts a 25–25 season
The power component appears attainable, as Colton Cowser did hit 24 home runs in his 2024 rookie campaign. He even hit 16 last season in just 92 games.
The real question is the base running component. Cowser has just 24 stolen bases across 271 career games, though he was efficient last season (14-for-14). If given more freedom on the base paths, Cowser could unlock another dimension offensively.
2. Ryan Helsley records 35+ saves
The Orioles have not had many 35-save seasons in recent history, with Jim Johnson and Zack Britton accounting for the only such campaigns since 2010.
Helsley, who saved 49 games in 2024, has already proven capable. If his reported pitch-tipping issue from 2025 is resolved, a return to All-Star form — and a high save total — is well within reach.
1. Orioles bullpen finishes top 10 in ERA
Baltimore’s bullpen enters 2026 with something to prove after an inconsistent 2025. However, there were encouraging signs late in the season, with several relievers posting strong September numbers.
Add in a healthy Tyler Wells, the return of Andrew Kittredge and the acquisition of Helsley, and the unit suddenly looks deeper and more reliable. A top-10 finish in ERA is far from guaranteed, but it is certainly attainable.
Bold predictions are meant to challenge conventional thinking, and this year’s list does exactly that. If even a handful of these hit, the 2026 season in Charm City could be one Birdland remember for some time.
What do you think of our hot takes? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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