3 burning questions the Orioles must answer with the New Year underway

The winter has seen no shortage of activity from the Baltimore Orioles, but while the club had many important questions facing it as the offseason began, some still persist.

Beyond the issues that have yet to be resolved, some of the moves Mike Elias and company have made raise new doubts and concerns over what the final product will look like heading into the 2026 season.

The Orioles no doubt want to compete in a crowded American League East, and with the New Year upon us, they're going to need to provide some answers quickly.

Three important questions the Orioles must address as 2026 begins

1. Is this it for the starting rotation?

In the immediate aftermath of the 2025 season, Elias assured fans that the club would be willing to do what it takes in terms of dollars and years to add a top arm to the rotation. So far, we're still waiting.

Trading for Shane Baz was controversial, but it is the reunion with Zach Eflin that truly raises the question as to whether or not Baltimore is done.

The Orioles won't come out and say it, but if we see previously rumored targets like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez land elsewhere, we'll know for sure that, for better or worse, the plan is to bet big on Baz fulfilling his potential.

2. Will the club find a new home for Ryan Mountcastle and will that lead to a bench upgrade?

Here's a two-parter. With Pete Alonso in the fold, the Orioles don't have much of a need for Ryan Mountcastle. Mountcastle has regressed in recent years and has been identified as a prime change-of-scenery candidate. With the positional limitations of only being able to play first base or DH, the once-promising slugger no longer serves a purpose.

Mountcastle won't fetch much in a trade, but that's not the point. The real value is opening up a roster spot. From there, the question is, do the Orioles bring in a legitimate utility man to strengthen the bench? Leody Taveras and Tyler O'Neill are fine outfield reserves, but can they really trust Jeremiah Jackson as the main infield option off the bench? Jackson's 117 wRC+ in 2025 was encouraging, but it came in just 183 plate appearances, in what was his first year in the bigs.

There are targets out there who make sense, like Willi Castro or even former Oriole Ramon Urias, and it feels like if Baltimore truly wants to contend, they need an upgrade and versatility coming off the bench.

3. What does the future hold for Taylor Ward and the outfield as a whole?

Here's the Taylor Ward trade, especially now given the context of the Shane Baz deal, is one of the more mystifying moves that Baltimore has made this winter. It's not that Ward's a bad player; in fact, he's quite useful, but after seeing the treasure trove of assets the club gave up for Baz, it begs the question of whether they should have gotten more for Grayson Rodriguez?

Baz and Rodriguez are similar pitchers. They both have talent and potential to go along with checkered injury histories, yet Rodriguez has an additional year of team control. In that light, a 32-year-old outfielder on an expiring contract seems like a poor return for Rodriguez.

That could change if the Orioles extend Ward, but if they go that route, how does the future of the outfield look? Dylan Beavers and Colton Cowser are talented youngsters who are already somewhat threatened by Ward's presence, and top prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. is threatening to debut in 2026.

If Ward is extended, the fit for everyone becomes murky, but if he's not, the trade with the Angels looks like an overpay. This might not resolve itself any time soon, but the situation is worth monitoring, especially if it forces one of these young outfielders to become trade bait.