Orioles fans will love ESPN's bold prediction even if it feels too good to trust

There's no question that the Baltimore Orioles have been the talk of the offseason, and it's hard to take issue with anything they've done. Pete Alonso's arrival is certainly the most significant, marking Mike Elias' willingness to finally spend in free agency, but the team also took a gamble on a high-upside starting pitcher in Shane Baz, added even more pop with Taylor Ward, and stabilized the bullpen with the signing of Ryan Helsley.

If nothing else, the Orioles have emerged as a strong worst-to-first candidate next season in the American League East. Even that bar may not be high enough. While ringing in the New Year, ESPN offered some bold predictions for the 2026 season, and the Orioles were mentioned.

ESPN's latest prediction for the Baltimore Orioles feels too soon, but we're not mad at it.

It wasn't a surprise to see the Orioles listed among the "breakthrough teams" in 2026, but Eric Karabell has them winning the World Series. Touting the additions they've made, including the return of Zach Eflin, Karabell also sees Gunnar Henderson returning to form to go with a 30/30 season from Jackson Holliday, and Samuel Basallo having a breakout campaign.

We're going to be honest, Karabell might be reaching here. Which is totally fine, we're in the dog days of January, and this is the time to make bold predictions. Especially when the Orioles have been at the center of most conversations this winter.

It makes sense why the Kool-Aid may be more potent right now, instead of when games are actually going to be played.

That's not saying the Orioles won't be good; they just aren't ready to be in the World Series conversation. If Baltimore finds a way to add an established top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher before spring training, that sentiment probably changes.

Sure, given the added support of Alonso and Ward, it's reasonable to suggest that Henderson will return to form. But inconsistency has dominated Holliday's run at the major league level, and there's no reason to believe that will change this season. Even if Basallo breaks out, there likely will be a large stretch of the season where another adjustment is needed.

Regardless, given how the 2025 season ended, it is good to see Baltimore even mentioned as a threat to win it all.