Orioles’ Elias has lots of questions to answer

NEW YORK—On Monday, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias will review the club’s 2025 and look ahead to 2026.

It’s been a tumultuous season for the team, in which they’ve fallen far short of expectations after three consecutive winning seasons and two postseason appearances.

Elias fired manager Brandon Hyde and engineered a massive overhaul of the team at the July trade deadline. He also negotiated his first extension to a young player, catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo.

What’s ahead for the offseason and might Elias talk about on Monday?

Elias’ promotion and search for a general manager

Elias was promoted to president of baseball operations during the offseason, a move that was never announced until The Athletic reported it. Only this week did the team finally change his title on the website.

He’ll need to explain the reason for the move, its timing and what he’s looking for in a general manager. Elias could also be asked about how the duties will be divided.

What’s next for Mansolino?

Interim manager Tony Mansolino is also scheduled to speak on Monday, and perhaps we’ll find out more about what’s next for him.

Mansolino took over for Hyde on May 17^th and will finish with a winning record. Entering Sunday’s final game, the Orioles are 60-58.

It’s possible that Mansolino will be named the club’s manager for 2026. He could be given another job in the organization, return to the coaching staff for next year or simply be included in a managerial search. It seems unlikely that Mansolino would be scheduled to speak on Monday if he wasn’t being retained in some capacity.

The Orioles’ young core

This has been a disappointing season for the Orioles’ young core. Outfielder Colton Cowser and catcher Adley Rutschman have both struggled at the plate and with injuries. Like Cowser and Rutschman, third baseman Jordan Westburg was on the injured list twice, though his statistics have been good when he’s played.

Even shortstop Gunnar Henderson has taken a step back offensively, though he’s been impressive in the field and became the youngest Oriole player to steal 30 bases on Friday night.

Second baseman Jackson Holliday improved greatly in his first full major league season, but gave himself a C, saying he has lots to improve upon. He, too, has struggled at the plate down the stretch.

What about all those injuries?

This season, the Orioles have used the injured list 39 times for 29 players, most in the majors.

Last season, the Orioles moved on from longtime athletic trainer Brian Ebel and hired Scott Barringer as head athletic trainer.

With so many injuries, Elias will be asked about it and why this is happening.

Search for a closer

The Orioles will be without Félix Bautista who had rotator cuff and labrum surgery last month for perhaps the entire 2026 season. Would the Orioles look for a closer from within?

There’s been chatter that Tyler Wells could move to the bullpen, but there’s nothing from the club to indicate they’re considering that.

They know their 2026 closer isn’t currently in the bullpen. They’ll have to sign one as a free agent or trade for one.

In 2024 with Bautista recovering from Tommy John surgery, Elias signed Craig Kimbrel. That worked out for the first half of the season before Kimbrel imploded in the second half.

Where does Grayson Rodriguez fit?

The Orioles could have a strong top of their rotation next season with Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers, neither of whom pitched the entire season.

A full season from Bradish and Rogers could allow the Orioles to return to contention.

Besides Bradish and Rogers, Dean Kremer should also be in the rotation. It would make things easier if Grayson Rodriguez, who didn’t pitch at all in 2025, was available next season.

Rodriguez could slide into the rotation, if healthy. He had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow last month, and he’s supposed to be ready for spring training.

How active will the Orioles be in free agency?

The guess here is that the Orioles will aggressively pursue a starting pitcher, multiple relievers, including a closer, and some outfield help.

Dylan Beavers made a fine first impression, but along with a much stronger season from Cowser, the Orioles need more offense from the outfield.

Tyler O’Neill was acquired to provide that but had three stints on the injured list and has played in only 53 games. He has an opt-out on the remaining two years of his three year, $49.5 million contract, but O’Neill won’t invoke it.

Perhaps two more veteran outfielders would be ideal, though Jeremiah Jackson may have put himself in a good position to return next season with his last two months’ work.

What is the latest on Heston Kjerstad?

The Orioles haven’t provided any information on Heston Kjerstad, who played 57 games for the Orioles and 24 for Triple-A Norfolk, but none after July 25^th.

The initial explanation given for Kjerstad’s unavailability was that he was suffering from fatigue, but no further information has been forthcoming.

Hopefully, Elias will have more to say about him on Monday.

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