Orioles fans have early reason to believe thanks to Coby Mayo and Adley Rutschman

Not everything that happens during the first three games of the season is a sign of things to come. Gunnar Henderson is not going to average .083 for the season, and Trevor Rogers ERA will eventually rise above 0.00. However, certain things during the Baltimore Orioles' first series of the season were both encouraging and significant. In particular, three players were especially noteworthy.

Coby Mayo was the surprise hero on defense

Once a third baseman has been moved to first base, it is rare to see them return to the hot corner. When it became clear that, in the wake of Jordan Westburg's injury, the Orioles' backup plan for third base was Mayo, there was real doubt about his ability to handle third base defensively. Those doubts were not eased by Mayo's regular throwing errors throughout spring training.

Yet when the lights came on, the games counted, Mayo acquitted himself very well at third base. He turned multiple double plays on opening day, one of which was a very difficult play that sent Mayo lunging to the ground, both of which prevented runs from coming in to score. Over the course of the rest of the series, Mayo also made a nice play up against the netting and turned a unique, non-force out double play that erased a leadoff double.

Perhaps more important than any web gem produced this weekend is the fact that, despite every game being close in the late innings, manager Craig Albernaz chose not to sub Mayo out of the game. It sent a clear message: The Orioles feel like they can trust Coby Mayo on defense. So far, Mayo has rewarded that trust; if he continues to do so, his value to the team increases substantially.

Fans breathed a sigh of relief seeing Adley Rutschman get off to a hot start

After back-to-back disappointing seasons for Rutschman, real concern had begun to creep in that he may not be the franchise player that he once appeared to be. With another catcher signed to the team long term and ABs at DH in high demand this season, this season is very important for determining Rutschman's future with the team.

With so much at stake, it was great to see Rutschman get his season off to such a good start, going three for seven with two extra-base hits and two walks. Rutschman showed off all the aspects of his offensive game that made him one of the best players in the league early in his career. He demonstrated his signature elite plate discipline and had hits from both sides of the plate. If Adley is back to being the 130 wRC+ version of himself, then that's a big win for the Orioles.

Ryan Helsley showed that he's ready to leave 2025 in the rear view mirror

Helsley was the Orioles' biggest bullpen addition. He joined the Orioles after the worst half-season of his career and maybe life with the New York Mets, hoping for a bounce-back season. Throughout spring training, it was mildly concerning to see the famous fireballer throwing 95-mph fastballs.

As soon as Helsley took the mound in a game that counted, it became clear that he was just taking it easy down in Sarasota. He topped out at 101.9 on opening day and 102.1 in the Orioles' win on Sunday. On top of showing off the blazing fastball, he also officially debuted his new splitter, which was very effective. It didn't look like he was tipping his pitches either, with Twins batters whiffing on all three of his pitches: the fastball, the splitter, and the slider.

With Helsley looking like the version of himself that led the league in saves in 2024, the Orioles have finally filled the gaping hole they've been struggling to fill since August of 2023.