Could Orioles' Félix Bautista Return to Form?

The Baltimore Orioles couldn't get over the hump in a year where expectations were higher as they missed out on the MLB playoffs for the second-straight year since 2025 and finished fourth in the AL East just a few games below the .500 mark.

However, the Orioles' bullpen should have a fully rejuvenated Félix Bautista entering next season after the 31-year-old reliever made his return later this year from a shoulder surgery that kept him sidelined for the last 14 months.

The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native struggled in his first couple outings back with Baltimore, compiling a 16.20 ERA with only three strikeouts in 1.2 innings. Still, things are looking bright for him going forward given his history of dominance prior to the injury.

Bautista had his best season yet in 2023, posting a career-low 1.48 ERA and 110 strikeouts through 56 games and 61 innings of action. His efforts were instrumental in the Orioles having an incredible 101-61 record and eventually reaching the playoffs even after his season ended earlier than he hoped in August when he suffered a season-ending partial UCL tear.

He ended up needing Tommy John surgery that resulted in him sitting out through all of 2024 and resuming competition the next year. He wrapped up the 2025 season with a commendable 2.60 ERA while recording 50 punchouts. 

With that, it is clear that Bautista has the talent. The only question is if his body can go the distance and as of right now, the answer appears to be no and that is concerning given that he is on the wrong side of 30.

Should Bautista's injury battles linger, the Orioles have other reliable options to fall back on. Rico Garcia and Andrew Kittredge come to mind with the former posting a solid 3.09 ERA with 68 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Kittredge concluded the year with 11 saves and 40 punchouts across 48.1 innings.

Anthony Nunez was another solid arm for Baltimore this year, racking up 66 strikeouts in 59.2 innings while earning three saves.

Despite Bautista's difficulties with staying on the mound, it's still easy to see why the Orioles aren't giving up on him just yet. When healthy, Bautista has shown that he's got the stuff to keep hitters off-balance.

While Bautista rests up this offseason, general manager Mike Elias will be hard at work trying to retain key pieces like starter Trevor Rogers whose contract is set to expire upon the conclusion of the World Series.