Two rookies could make or break Mike Elias' Orioles tenure in 2026

Pete Alonso has looked the part for the Baltimore Orioles during the early days of spring training, but the overall success of the team could hinge on the development of two key prospects. Catcher Samuel Basallo and outfielder Dylan Beavers made their respective debuts at the end of the 2025 season, and each should have a larger role on the major league team this season.

Basallo figures to be the Orioles' designated hitter on Opening Day, and Beavers likely will get the nod in right field.

If the Orioles' offense is going to have more potency than what they showed during their forgettable 2025 campaign, sure, Alonso and Taylor Ward will need to play a key role. But, for President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias, his tenure in Baltimore may hinge on the success of Basallo and Beavers.

The Athletic's (subscription required) Keith Law touched on the prospects in the 2026 MLB rookie class that could have the biggest impact, and both Basallo and Beavers get a mention.

Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers could be the key to Mike Elias' future with the Orioles

The easiest way for Elias to preserve his future with the Orioles would have been to add an established frontline starting pitcher this offseason. There's no doubt that the Orioles are a better team than they were at the end of last season, but the lack of another top-of-the-rotation arm could be what dooms their postseason run before it even starts.

By avoiding that path, it seems Elias is doubling down on the belief he has held throughout his time in Baltimore: the young position players will be the key to the team's success. Basallo's 55 wRC+ in 31 games last year is a small reminder of the risk with counting on unproven top prospects, but Beavers' 125 mark in 35 games is an argument on the other side of the coin.

What heightens the pressure for Elias and Co. is that the front office has already paid Basallo. The Orioles handed out an eight-year extension to their top prospect last summer, and that was before he had a month at the major league level under his belt. If the Orioles reach the end of the 2026 season and a question mark still surrounds Basallo, that could be a development that ends Elias' time as the team's president of baseball operations.