The Baltimore Orioles were predicted to win the World Series in 2026.
The Baltimore Orioles have had an incredibly busy offseason as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026 and remain competitive in the loaded American League East. The front office has made aggressive moves to reshape both the lineup and pitching staff, and the work is not finished.
The transformation began with the headline signing of first baseman Pete Alonso in free agency, giving Baltimore a true threat in the middle of the order. The Orioles also swung a deal with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire outfielder Taylor Ward, adding another proven bat to lengthen the lineup.
On the pitching side, the club pulled off a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for right-hander Shane Baz, a potential All-Star, while also re-signing Zach Eflin to provide depth and stability. To solidify the bullpen, Baltimore signed closer Ryan Helsley, ensuring late-inning reliability.
Even with these moves, the Orioles remain linked to several top arms in free agency, signaling that their offseason push is far from complete.
The ambition is clear: Baltimore is determined not only to contend but to establish itself as a legitimate World Series threat. That belief is shared by some of baseball’s top analysts. Eric Karabell of ESPN went so far as to predict a championship for Baltimore.
“The Baltimore Orioles will win the 2026 World Series. The Orioles finished last in the AL East in 2025, but their 75 wins were the most for fifth-place entrants. Since then, the franchise added a crew of veterans around their young corps, including 1B Pete Alonso, OF Taylor Ward, RHPs Shane Baz and Zach Eflin and closer Ryan Helsley,” he wrote.
“Gunnar Henderson should return to his 2024 form. Trevor Rogers may continue with his 2025 form. Top prospect Samuel Basallo will be a breakout star. The Orioles aren't messing around, and don't be surprised when Jackson Holliday becomes a legit AL All-Star and he makes a 30/30 run.”
Karabell’s bold prediction underscores the optimism surrounding Baltimore’s roster overhaul. The Orioles now boast a blend of established stars and rising talent, creating a balance that has eluded them in recent years.
If Henderson rebounds, Holliday ascends and Basallo emerges as expected, Baltimore could field one of the most dynamic lineups in baseball. Combined with a fortified rotation and bullpen, the Orioles have positioned themselves as a team capable of not only returning to October but making a deep run. For a franchise that has endured years of rebuilding, 2026 represents a chance to finally cash in on its promise.