One of the worst feelings in life is dissapointing and letting down the people that care about you. 

For the Baltimore Orioles, the 2025 season was a massive disappointment as they missed out on the playoffs after going 75-87, and finished last in the American League East. 

However, that poor season did not discourage the ownership and players from accomplishing their main goal of winning a World Series. After signing superstar Pete Alonso, trading for electric young arm Shane Baz, signing former reliever of the year award winner Ryan Helsley and more, Baltimore has built a legitimate title contender.

With that being said, Baltimore will need a lot to go their way to reach the World Series, so here are three hot takes that could propel them back to the top. 

This may sound crazy, but it isn't that farfetched. Eflin was Baltimore's Opening Day starter this time last year, and everyone knows how good he can be when healthy. Fast forward a year, and an elite spring training campaign + good health indicates a bounce back year from Eflin. This hot take doesn't mean Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish and others won't have good years; I'm just banking on Eflin to have a massive resurgence this season, and to rack up a boat load of wins out the five spot in Baltimore's rotation. 

It wasn't too long ago when Adley Rutschman was considered a top player on a 101 win Baltimore squad. Now, he's an afterthought. However, after a strong spring training campaign, I'm officially back on the Rutschman train. Rutschman posted an .831 OPS in 48 plate appearances this spring, but really stood out with his .354 on base percentage. In his first two big league seasons, Rutschman had an average OBP of .368, but in his last two he's only had a .312 OBP. If spring training was any indication that Rutschman could return to his old form, Baltimore's offense will be in great hands. 

It seems like Coby Mayo's name has been floating in trade rumors for the past two seasons now, but I feel like this is the year that Baltimore finally ships him away. However, it's not because Baltimore is selling. It's because they're buying. I believe Mayo is going to play lights out this season, and with an expanded role (due to Jordan Westburg's injury) he should finally breakout. Mayo posted a 1.026 OPS in 42 plate appearances during spring training, and it seems like he has finally figured it out. However, I'm predicting that Mayo's strong 2026 campaign will prompt Baltimore to ship him (and a few other prospects) away for an elite starting pitcher.

If all of these "hot takes" come to fruition, it means that Baltimore is a legitimate title contender and that they're going all in to win in 2026.