Question: Maybe I’m over-thinking this and not focusing on the whole season, but here’s my idea for the 25-26 O’s regulars for 2027:
Pitchers: Baz, Bassitt, Young, Rogers, Bradish, Povich, Eflin (starters); Cano, Bautista, Walker, Wolfram, Akin, De León, Garcia, Sanders (relievers)
Assuming we carry only 13 pitchers, which two would you delete?
Catchers: Basallo, Willems; Narváez and Pozo might be good defensively but can’t seem to hit.
Infielders: Westburg, CES, Henderson, Holliday, Alonso, Mayo, Alexander
Outfielders: Beavers, Cowser, Robert Jr, Kjerstad
I’m not sure what to do with Mountcastle or O’Neill. Could Mountcastle or Mayo be “trained/developed” to be corner outfielders? From: Bob Steier
Answer: There’s a lot there, Bob. Let’s start with the general before I move on to specifics.
You’re suggesting that the Orioles construct a roster devoid of new players from outside the organization and with just one player, Creed Willems, who didn’t play for the team this year.
No team repeats its roster, and to suggest using basically the same players in 2027 is just not going to happen, especially for a team that’s likely heading for a losing record.
I would guess that perhaps six to eight players not on your list will begin 2027 with the Orioles.
As for relievers, Ryan Helsley isn’t included in your list, and he has a $14 million option, which I think he’ll exercise since he didn’t pitch very much this year.
We don’t know whether this month’s audition for De León is a one-off, or whether they’ll think about him as a starter next season.
Among position players, Ryan Mountcastle has a $7.5 million option for next year and Luis Robert Jr. a $20 million option. I don’t think the Orioles will pick up either of those options.
As for Heston Kjerstad, I’m not sure what the Orioles’ plans for him are in 2027. He hasn’t played enough this month for a true judgment.
As for specifics, both Zach Eflin and Keegan Akin had Tommy John surgery and won’t be ready to start the season. It’s possible that Akin doesn’t pitch at all next year.
Trevor Rogers is a free agent, and while I think the Orioles should bring him back, it’s questionable that he will be back.
Tyler O’Neill is under contract for next season, and I’m sure he’ll be back.
I think your list of infielders is fine, and I’m eager to see if the Orioles seek another backup catcher from outside the organization for 2027.
Mock rosters are always fun to do, and I’m glad you gave it some thought. Perhaps you can revise your roster if there’s a lockout and ask the question again come December.
Question: Before needing Tommy John surgery, Braxton Bragg was our highest-rated pitching prospect. Will he now be on the 40-man roster? I haven’t read or heard anything about him. Do you know anything? From: HBerman
Answer: I’ve also received a question about Braxton Bragg from Bill Connor. Bragg didn’t pitch at all this season but is on the Arizona Fall League roster for the Peoria Javelinas.
Even though there might not be a Rule 5 draft, Bragg would need to be protected this fall.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: [email protected]. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.