Vanessa: You hit forty-three home runs in a single season. Forty-three. And you did it against the team that just watched David Stearns admit there are no 'mulligans' for letting players walk away. If Pete Alonso can turn the left-field bleachers into his personal backyard, what does that mean for the rest of the American League? I’m Vanessa, and this is the daily Beatline Podcast Network.
Nick: I’m Nick. We’re talking about the Baltimore Orioles today. They finished 79-82, second in the AL East, but let’s be honest—their regular-season finale against the Yankees was washed out by rain. So we’re looking at a roster that has massive questions heading into 2027. Today, we’re opening the mailbag.
Vanessa: Here is what we’ve got planned. First, we’re answering your burning questions about Pete Alonso’s historic power surge and whether he stays in Baltimore. Second, we’re diving deep into the logjam at third base and center field—who makes the cut when spring training starts? And finally, we’re doing a lightning round on the pitching staff and those critical offseason acquisitions we talked about last week.
Nick: Right. And if you listened to our episodes from October 10th and 11th, you know we predicted the Orioles would need to acquire at least two reliable starting pitchers before spring training to compete. We also said with the right moves, they could push for an 85-to-95 win total. Let’s see if the mailbag agrees with that assessment.
Vanessa: Let’s get right into it. @OriolesFan88 asks: 'Pete Alonso homered twice in that doubleheader opener against New York, going deep 471 feet into the left-field bleachers. He took over the AL lead with 43 homers. Is that kind of production enough to guarantee him a spot next year, or do the O’s have plans to move him?'
Nick: That is a fantastic question because it touches on the core identity of this team. When Pete Alonso hits a ball 471 feet, he’s not just contributing; he’s dominating. In a league where launch angle and exit velocity rule everything, his ability to take over the AL lead with 43 home runs is elite. But the question isn't just about staying—it's about fit.
Vanessa: Exactly. And remember, the headlines are already swirling around David Stearns and the Mets, who made it clear there are no do-overs for losing players like Alonso. If Baltimore wants to keep him, they have to show they’re building a contender, not just a participant.
Nick: Spot on. From a tactical standpoint, having a first baseman who can drive the ball that hard changes how you set up the defense. You don’t shift as much. You play your normal alignment. It opens up gaps for guys like Gunnar Henderson or Jackson Holliday to score more runs. But 79-82 is a tough record to build loyalty on. The fans want to see action, not rain cancellations.
Vanessa: Speaking of the finale, Sarah from Rochester writes in: 'The regular-season finale between the Orioles and Yankees was canceled because of sustained rain. That feels symbolic. We had so much potential, especially with that doubleheader win, but then the weather—and maybe some front-office decisions—ruined the ending. Do you think the cancellation affected morale?'
Nick: It’s always frustrating when nature steals the spotlight. A 10-2 rout of the Yankees in the doubleheader opener is a highlight-reel performance. To have the series finale washed out leaves a bitter taste. But psychologically? I don’t think it breaks them. These guys saw what they could do against a top-tier team like New York. The 10-run explosion proves the offense is ready.
Vanessa: True. And look, the standings say they’re second in the AL East, but the record says 79-82. There’s a disconnect there. @BaseballMike in Chicago asks: 'With the rotation looking thin, do you think Chris Bassitt and Shane Baz are enough to anchor the staff, or is the O’s front office going to have to make a splash in free agency?'
Nick: This goes back to our prediction from last week. Bassitt and Baz are solid, but they aren’t ace-level anchors in a division as steep as the AL East. You’ve got Trevor Rogers and Brandon Young in the mix too, but the bullpen is where the real concern lies. Felix Bautista is great, but relying on Yennier Cano, Luis De Leon, and Cameron Foster for long stretches is risky. We said they need two reliable starters. I stand by that.
Vanessa: And if they don’t get those starters, the 85-to-95 win projection we talked about earlier looks very optimistic. Before we break for a quick breath, here is a quick note: if these daily breakdowns are part of your morning routine or commute, a small tip is what keeps us bringing you this fresh, factual analysis every single day. Please check the link in the episode description to support the show directly.
Nick: Thanks, Vanessa. Let’s move to Segment Two: Roster Battles. This is where it gets tactical. Jordan in Tampa Bay asks: 'There are three guys listed at third base: Blaze Alexander, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Coby Mayo. Who wins the job, and who ends up playing elsewhere?'
Vanessa: Oh, this is a logjam. Three high-upside infielders for one spot. Blaze Alexander has been developing nicely, but Coby Mayo brings that raw power. Encarnacion-Strand is versatile. How do you fit them all?
Nick: You don’t. Not all at third. My read? Coby Mayo is the everyday third baseman if he stays healthy—he’s got the highest ceiling for run production. Blaze Alexander might slide to second base or serve as a super-utility guy. Encarnacion-Strand is likely the defensive replacement or platoon option. It’s a good problem to have, but it means depth is crucial.
Vanessa: And what about center field? Marcus in Denver wants to know: 'We have Colton Cowser, Christian Franklin, Luis Robert Jr., Leody Taveras, and Dylan Beavers. That’s five outfielders for three spots. Who gets left on the bus?'
Nick: Luis Robert Jr. is the clear starter. He’s an All-Star caliber talent. Colton Cowser is also locked in as a primary defender. That leaves one spot. Christian Franklin has speed and contact skills. Dylan Beavers and Leody Taveras are depth options. I’d expect Franklin to win the third spot based on plate discipline and OBP, which fits better with Alonso’s power behind him.
Vanessa: So, Robert, Cowser, and Franklin. That leaves Beavers and Taveras fighting for a bench role or a trade chip. It’s a crowded camp. Next question from @HensHitter: 'Gunnar Henderson had a breakout year. Does his success at shortstop make Jose Barrero expendable?'
Nick: Good point. Henderson is the face of the franchise now. Barrero is talented, but if Henderson locks down the SS spot, Barrero might need to look at second base, especially with Jackson Holliday and Jeremiah Jackson also in the mix. It’s a positional shuffle. The O’s might prefer to trade Barrero for pitching help rather than watch him sit.
Vanessa: Alright, Segment Three: Fun Hypothetical and Lightning Round. Here’s the scenario: It’s Spring Training 2027. The Orioles have signed two new starting pitchers as we predicted. Pete Alonso is still hitting 40-home run pace. The rotation is Bassitt, Baz, plus the two new arms. The bullpen is led by Felix Bautista. What is the one thing that worries you most about this team?
Nick: Injury risk in the middle infield. With Holliday, Jackson, Henderson, and Barrero all competing, the physical toll is immense. Also, the catcher situation. Samuel Basallo, Carlos Narvaez, and Yohel Pozo. If Basallo doesn’t take that next step defensively, the pitching staff struggles. Pitch framing matters.
Vanessa: I’ll go with the ABS challenge system. Remember that tracker from the headlines? Umpire calls can swing close games. If the O’s get unlucky with challenges, they lose tight contests. But let’s do a lightning round. Quick takes. Who is the surprise MVP candidate for 2027?
Nick: Jackson Holliday. He’s young, he’s getting reps, and his plate discipline is elite. He’s going to hit .300 with 20-plus homers.
Vanessa: Agreed. Next question: Who is the most underrated player on the roster?
Nick: Andrew Kittredge. He’s a veteran reliever who stabilizes the late innings. Without him, the bullpen collapses.
Vanessa: Final lightning round: What is the worst-case scenario for 2027?
Nick: No pitching upgrades. Alonso ages out, the young infielders struggle defensively, and they finish fourth in the AL East again.
Vanessa: Ouch. But we love this team anyway. We covered Pete Alonso’s 43-homer season, the rain-cancelled finale, the logjams at third and center field, and why those two starting pitcher acquisitions are non-negotiable for 2027.
Nick: If you want to hear more tactical breakdowns like this, subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Share this with a fellow Oriole fan.
Vanessa: Go Birds! I’m Vanessa. Nick, you take it away.
Nick: I’m Nick. Thanks for listening to Beatline. See you tomorrow.