Predicting a Baltimore Orioles 26-man playoff roster

Who are the 26 players the Orioles could carry on a playoff roster?

OUTFIELDERS (5)

22. Anthony Santander, OF

The streaky but now hot-hitting Santander should find himself batting third in either right field or at DH for just about every playoff game this fall. He has been red hot of late, having his nine-game hitting streak snapped Friday night in Arizona. Overall, Santander has posted an .818 OPS with a team-leading 26 home runs. Although Santander has been an Oriole since 2017, this would be his playoff debut in Baltimore.

23. Cedric Mullins, OF

Like Santander, Mullins will be making his Orioles' playoff debut despite being one of the (albeit young) veterans on the team. Mullins has hit for the cycle, made the catch of the year, and is always a fan favorite. He will likely start every Orioles playoff game this fall in center field.

24. Austin Hays, OF

The third of the young outfield veterans to make his Orioles playoff debut is Austin Hays. Like Mullins, Hays has had his fair share of defensive gems this year while making his first All-Star team. Like Mullins and Santander, it will feel really good seeing Hays make his well-earned playoff debut.

25. Aaron Hicks, OF

If he can stay healthy, Aaron Hicks is the perfect fourth outfielder for the postseason. He is a switch hitter, can play all three outfield positions, and has playoff experience. It's possible, but unlikely, that he starts over Mullins against a tough lefty in the playoffs. More likely would be a scenario where he starts in a corner spot and one of Hays or Santander takes a seat.

26. Ryan McKenna, OF

It is no secret that Brandon Hyde really likes Ryan McKenna. While McKenna's offensive numbers do not jump out at you, he is a perfectly fine 26th man on the playoff roster, where he would likely see time as a late-inning defensive replacement for Anthony Santander in right.

Despite seeing time with the Orioles this year, Colton Cowser, Jack Flaherty, Bryan Baker, Joey Krehbel and Austin Voth (in DFA limbo as of Monday) miss the cut. Obviously, a lot can change between now and the Orioles' final game of the season, including injuries, playoff positioning, and player performance. But as of now, the above 26 men have the greatest chance of representing the Baltimore Orioles in their first playoffs since 2016.