The roller coaster season of the Baltimore Orioles continues.
After a 10-game stretch against AL East foes, the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, that saw the Birds go 5-5, Baltimore now sits 2.5 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot.
At 63-68, the Orioles embark on a crucial nine-game road trip that could determine whether their season stays alive. Baltimore needs to finish no worse than 6-3, but a 7-2 record or better would go a long way toward keeping its postseason hopes alive.
Before the trip begins, let’s jump into this week’s edition of The Great, The Good & The Ugly to see which Birds made the cut and why.
THE GREAT: PETE ALONSO
It is easy to point to Pete Alonso’s 14-game hitting streak, 30 home runs, 85 RBIs or career-best .311 BABIP. But The Polar Bear has also developed into one of the stronger defensive first basemen in the American League and is more than living up to the five-year, $155 million deal he signed in the offseason.
Recently, Alonso was seen giving hitting advice to Gunnar Henderson during batting practice, as the former All-Star shortstop continues to work through a season-long slump. Christian Encarnacion-Strand was also receiving pointers from Alonso before a media session interrupted them.
A veteran who has experienced plenty of ups and downs throughout his career, Alonso has stepped into an even bigger leadership role following Rutschman’s departure. The Orioles look like a different team because of it.
Will that be enough to carry Baltimore to the postseason? It is too early to say. But you can bet Alonso will make sure everyone gives their all when they take the field.
THE GOOD: BLAZE ALEXANDER & FÉLIX BAUTISTA
One is a former All-Star. The other was a central part of Baltimore’s seven-game winning streak. Both are now on rehab assignments that could bring them back for a massive final push toward the final Wild Card spot.
Bautista appeared to be coming into form late last season before another setback led to surgery and cost him most of another year. This time, the Orioles acted quickly, got him into rehab as soon as possible and now have him making appearances. If everything continues to progress, Bautista could return to the big-leagues as early as next week.
Considering how shaky the Orioles bullpen has been, his return would be a massive boost for the team and an electric moment for the fan base.
Alexander was also in the middle of one of the best stretches of his career, coinciding with some of the Orioles’ best baseball of the season, when a hit by pitch resulted in a fractured hand and sent him to the injured list.
Now about to begin a rehab assignment of his own, Alexander could provide a major boost to a lineup that has certainly felt his absence. His offensive production and ability to play nearly anywhere on the field would give Baltimore another valuable weapon down the stretch.
To some teams, Bautista and Alexander may seem like extra pieces returning late in the season. But for the Orioles, they could be difference-makers.
THE UGLY: CHRISTIAN FRANKLIN
Acquired from the Washington Nationals near the trade deadline, Christian Franklin was immediately promoted to the big-league club. Thirteen games into his Orioles career, and to say he has struggled would be an understatement.
Making the transition from the minor leagues to the majors is difficult enough. Trying to do it in the middle of a Wild Card race only adds more pressure. Franklin offers speed and the ability to play all three outfield spots, but his struggles have raised questions about the Orioles’ decision-making. Meanwhile, Heston Kjerstad remains in Triple-A Norfolk, hitting .285 with 11 home runs in 74 games.
Franklin may eventually develop into a strong everyday contributor. However, during a crucial playoff race, Baltimore is asking a rookie to learn on the fly while he is slashing .160/.344/.200 with just one extra-base hit, one run scored and no RBIs.
That has to make you wonder about the thought process, especially with a player such as Kjerstad waiting in the wings, who has major-league experience and could provide more offensive upside.
The Orioles will begin their nine-game road trip with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals before heading west for three games against the Athletics in Sacramento and three more against the Colorado Rockies.
Can Alonso’s leadership help push the O’s toward the postseason? Will Bautista and Alexander return in time to provide the team with a much-needed boost? And can Franklin turn things around before the pressure of the playoff race becomes too much?
The answers could go a long way toward determining how the 2026 season ends. Tune in next week for the next edition of The Great, The Good & The Ugly.
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