The 2026 spring training slate has come to a close, and Opening Day is just one day away.
There is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Baltimore Orioles, who enter the season looking to rebound from a 75-win campaign that saw them finish last in the American League East. With a talented young core and several key additions, expectations are once again trending upward.
The Baltimore Battery staff has compiled its predictions for the 2026 season across three categories: Best pitcher, Most Valuable Oriole and overall team record. Each contributor offers insight into their selections and the reasoning behind them.
Without further ado, let’s get started with who our staff thinks will be the top pitcher on the O’s staff this season.
2026 BEST OVERALL PITCHER
Stephen Heckman: Kyle Bradish
Bradish will return to form and reestablishes himself as the staff ace, resembling the pitcher he was prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery. He stifles opposing lineups with consistency and emerges as one of the top arms in the American League. I project Bradish to earn an All-Star selection and finish top five in AL Cy Young voting while leading the O’s in wins, ERA and strikeouts.
Justin Sutphin: Kyle Bradish
For obvious reasons, Kyle Bradish is the clear-cut choice, alongside Trevor Rogers. I’m picking Bradish because all signs this spring point to him picking up right where he left off in 2024 before his injury, which came shortly after a top-four Cy Young finish. In addition, the structure of this rotation, with Rogers ahead of Bradish, should help both pitchers thrive. Teams having to game plan for Bradish’s elite two-seamer/slider combo right after facing Rogers, who makes hitters think as much as any arm in the league, will be a nightmare. It won’t be a huge gap between the two, but Bradish gets the vote.
Zack Bucklew: Chris Bassitt
Bassitt arrives in Baltimore as a veteran presence and one of the game’s most reliable starters. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered, posting seven seasons with an ERA between 3.02 and 3.96. He also enters 2026 having recorded four consecutive seasons with at least 170 innings pitched and 30 starts.
RJ Diliberto: Kyle Bradish
With all due respect to Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish is the best pitcher on this team. Health has really robbed us of fully seeing what I believe is a true ace. The 2023 season is the only full season we’ve gotten from Bradish, and he posted a 2.83 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP over 168.2 innings. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, and we saw a glimpse of who he was again in 2025 when he returned late in the year. It’s unclear what the Orioles’ plan is for his workload, but even 150 innings should be more than enough for him to be the most impactful pitcher on the staff.
2026 MOST VALUABLE ORIOLE
Stephen Heckman: Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar will rediscover the elite form he displayed in 2024, reminding the league why he is one of baseball’s premier young stars. Combining defensive excellence with middle-of-the-order power, he plays a pivotal role in Baltimore’s resurgence. Hitting ahead of Pete Alonso, Henderson will earn All-Star honors, garner MVP consideration and further solidifies himself as a franchise cornerstone — potentially setting the stage for a long-anticipated contract extension.
Justin Sutphin: Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar is a clear-cut MVP-caliber player entering his fourth season, and there aren’t many teams where he wouldn’t be the MVP. You can make the Pete Alonso argument, and to me, it plays out similarly to Bradish off Rogers. I think Alonso will be vital in helping push Gunnar into that true top-10 level. After the injuries and down play last season, getting to witness future Hall of Famers in the WBC and now learning from Alonso’s leadership, Gunnar has added years of experience in just a few months. You would be hard-pressed to find a more mature and physically gifted 24-year-old, and if you’re in that conversation, you are your team’s MVP.
Zack Bucklew: Dylan Beavers
A potential five-tool player, Beavers is expected to take a leap forward this season, building on the flashes he showed late last year. I believe he has the capability to produce a 20–20, or even a 25–25 season, making him one of the O’s most valuable assets this year, despite his inexperience.
RJ Diliberto: Gunnar Henderson
It’s hard to believe we’re heading into year four of the Gunnar Henderson era. All I can say is — don’t take it for granted. Henderson won AL Rookie of the Year in 2023, launched 37 homers en route to nearly an 8 fWAR season in 2024, and despite battling shoulder issues throughout 2025, still managed a 120 wRC+ while swiping 30 bags. I think Gunnar jumps right back into the elite tier in 2026 — and let’s just say he’s probably chasing a different most valuable award this time around.
2026 ORIOLES RECORD
Stephen Heckman: 90–72 (Wild Card berth)
The Orioles navigate a highly competitive AL East, ultimately falling short of a division title but securing a Wild Card spot. Improved health across the roster and a potent offense are going to fuel their return to postseason play. While I do not project a World Series title this season, I do anticipates the Birds snapping its postseason losing streak and advancing past the first round, reinforcing confidence in the club’s long-term outlook.
Justin Sutphin: 91-71 (Wild Card berth)
There should be an obvious bounce-back from last season. I think the O’s get off to a hot start, especially with a slightly easier April. With the help of new veteran leadership, the Birds will be able to ride that momentum and sustain it throughout the season.
Zack Bucklew: 88-74 (Wild Card berth)
While the Orioles possess the talent to compete in a loaded AL East, I think they remain a year away from true division contention. Still, an 88-win season should be enough to keep them in the playoff picture, with a likely Wild Card berth within reach.
RJ Diliberto: 88-74 (Wild Card berth)
I think the O’s are a Wild Card team in 2026. The bullpen worries me quite a bit, but the ceiling for this lineup is incredibly high, and the rotation is miles better than last year. It should be a fun year overall in Charm City.
What are your thoughts on our staff’s predictions for the Orioles’ 2026 season? What are your predictions? 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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