One team looking to bounce back in 2026 and make the MLB postseason is the Baltimore Orioles. Moves by the president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, have positioned his club to compete in the loaded American League East.
The Orioles signed Pete Alonso from the New York Mets to add some much-needed protection to their lineup. That was a big signing as the Boston Red Sox were also in the mix for the first baseman.
However, if Baltimore is going to compete with the Toronto Blue Jays, Red Sox, and New York Yankees, then they are going to need their starting rotation to step up. If that is going to happen, they are going to need a key piece of it who is already turning heads to continue to turn heads as the regular season begins later this month.
Baltimore Orioles Pitcher Kyle Bradish Turning Heads in Spring Training
When it comes to the starting rotation, there were some additions through trades and free agency for the Orioles. Elias traded for Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Shane Baz and signed free agent Chris Bassitt away from Toronto. Both are going to be key additions to the middle of the rotation. The biggest addition in 2026 might be the return of a key right-hander, Kyle Bradish.
After winning 12 games in 2023, Bradish has been limited to just 12 starts over the last two seasons due to elbow injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in August of 2024. He didn’t return until the second half of 2025. Now that he’s healthy and looking for a strong start in 2026, he is turning some heads in camp, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
“Now he’s finally healthy and is having a terrific spring in terms of stuff, command, and control. If he can stay healthy, he could be the difference maker in the O’s rebuilt starting rotation,” Bowden wrote.
The 29-year-old went 12-7 in his best season in 2023 with a 2.83 ERA and an eye-popping 4.9 WAR. In 168.2 innings, he recorded 168 strikeouts and walked just 44. If he can come close to repeating those numbers this season, then Baltimore will certainly be in the mix in the AL East.
A Healthy Kyle Bradish Would Be Huge for Baltimore in 2026
Signing Alonso made a statement to the fans that the Orioles are in it to win. To compete in the AL East, they needed a move like that. They could use another starter, and an underrated name still available is Lucas Giolito. If not, Bradish is penciled in as the No. 2 behind Trevor Rogers.
“Kyle Bradish looks terrific as he ramps up for his first full season coming off Tommy John surgery. He works tremendously hard, leads by example, and was sorely missed by our team when he was out in 2024-25. Having him back is huge for us,” Elias said.
The American League East is going to be tough again in 2026. Toronto added Dylan Cease, and the Red Sox signed former Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez. New York’s rotation will get healthy as the season goes along. All of that adds up to a brutal 162-game grind, but the Orioles are positioning themselves to be ready for the grind, and a healthy Bradish as a bounce-back candidate will only help.
Baltimore Orioles Bounce-Back Candidate Turning Heads Before Opening Day