Orioles to be thankful for in 2026

It’s Thanksgiving and, yes, it’s been a tough year for the Orioles. Fans aren’t in a good mood, at least when it comes to the team, but there’s still much to be thankful for.

I had hoped that Brandon Hyde would have another manager’s job by now. That didn’t happen, but I’m happy for his new role with the Tampa Bay Rays. I’m glad I got the chance to cover him.

His interim successor, Tony Mansolino, made the best out of a bad situation. He was gracious and enjoyed dealing with us, and I’m thankful he found a new baseball home in Atlanta with the Braves.

The Orioles have a new manager, Craig Albernaz, and people keep asking what I think about him. I hear wonderful things, but other than asking him a question at his introductory press conference, I haven’t gotten a chance to meet him.

I’m looking forward to the Winter Meetings in Orlando to finally shake his hand.

Baseball is such a transitory business. Once you get to know a player, coach or manager well, then it seems it’s time for them to move on.

I miss Ryan O’Hearn. He was funny and direct, and I hope that he lands a nice contract for 2026 and beyond.

I miss Cedric Mullins, too. I saw him make so many astounding plays in center field and was always sorry he never won a Gold Glove. He didn’t have the best experience in New York with the Mets, and I hope he finds an appropriate home next season.

Bryan Baker, whom I dubbed “The Outmaker,” was a joy to cover. He was reputedly the best dunker on the Orioles, and delighted in describing his reverse jams. I’m glad he’s safe and sound in Tampa Bay.

I didn’t get a chance to know Andrew Kittredge very well, but he was interesting to talk to, and I was thrilled to find that he was coming back to the Orioles for 2026.

Two of the Oriole starters in the first half of 2025, Charlie Morton and Zach Eflin, were great. Morton answered questions in detail and asked questions, too. Eflin is a warm and decent man. I hope Eflin is healthy and pitching again soon, and that Morton is happy in whatever comes next.

Tomoyuki Sugano brought with him a swarm of Japanese reporters, who were always fun to have around, and an air of mystery. His answers to us were always short, but to his native scribes, much longer.

There were players I enjoyed covering whom you might not even remember — Scott Blewett, who this week signed a minor league contract with St. Louis, Maverick Handley, Grant Wolfram and José Castillo.

Thankfully, Handley and Wolfram remain on the 40-man roster, and Castillo, who explained that newly hired San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen was one of those who dubbed him “Big Dude.”

Brandon Young was a nice young man to cover, and hopefully he’ll have more success in 2026. The same with Cade Povich. I hope Chayce McDermott finds a way in 2026.

Some really good guys will be back. I hope Jeremiah Jackson gets his chance in 2026.

I was surprised and sorry to see the Orioles trade Alex Jackson. Late in the season, I ran into Jackson at a local supermarket. He didn’t see me, and when I told him about it later, he reminded me that grocery shopping was serious business for him.

What kind of a season will 2026 be for Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg? Good seasons for them will mean good seasons for Oriole fans.

We watched Coby Mayo work hard on his batting and even harder on his fielding at first base. Next year should be a productive one for him.

The nicest surprise came when one of the really good guys, Ryan Mountcastle, found out he was going to be offered a contract for 2026. It seemed certain that the Orioles would turn him loose, but thankfully they didn’t.

As surprising as Mountcastle’s retention was, so was the goodbye to Albert Suárez, who was always helpful, even when times were rough. I hope the Orioles find a way to bring him back.

We hope that 2026 brings good health to two other good guys, Heston Kjerstad and Tyler O’Neill, whose time with the Orioles has been less fulfilling.

For Grayson Rodriguez, much success with the Angels, and for Taylor Ward, a happy 2026 in Baltimore.

Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers were fun to cover in their brief time with the Orioles, and hopefully they’ll have long and happy careers.

Next year will bring some modifications to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and a new scoreboard and sound system should make the games easier to follow, and perhaps more fun to watch.

To you and your family, a Happy Thanksgiving, and we’re thankful you’ve taken the time to read us in 2025.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com