The 2026 Baltimore Orioles Open a Brand-New Chapter on Thursday
Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 3:05 PM ET | Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD | MASN / 98 Rock FM / MLB.TV
Baseball Is Back in Baltimore – And This Team Is Different
After a 2025 season that Birdland would rather forget — a 75-87 record, a last-place finish in the AL East, and a managerial change midseason — the Baltimore Orioles are ready to turn the page in a big way.
Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards is this Thursday, March 26, when the O’s host the Minnesota Twins at 3:05 PM. And the energy surrounding this team is unlike anything Baltimore baseball fans have felt since the 2023 division championship season.
New manager. New sluggers. A rebuilt rotation. And a young core that’s hungry to prove last year was the exception, not the rule.
This is Day One of the Craig Albernaz era.
As the first-year skipper himself put it: “Every day, every game, is going to be like Christmas. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Let’s get into everything you need to know for the 2026 Baltimore Orioles season opener at Camden Yards.
The Offseason That Changed Everything
Mike Elias and the Orioles front office went to work this winter, and the results are dramatic. This is not the same roster that limped through 2025.
The Headliner: Pete Alonso (5 years, $155 million)
The Polar Bear is in Baltimore.
Pete Alonso signed the biggest free-agent deal in Orioles history, bringing five-time All-Star production and 264 career home runs from his time with the New York Mets. In 2025, Alonso crushed 38 homers and drove in 126 runs while posting an .871 OPS — his best mark since his record-setting rookie year in 2019.
But it’s not just the bat that has fans excited. During spring training, Alonso called his own mound visit and rallied the clubhouse. The veteran leadership this team lacked in 2025 has arrived.
Alonso slots in at first base and will hit third in the lineup, providing the right-handed thunder this lineup desperately needed.
Taylor Ward (Trade from Angels)
The Orioles traded oft-injured pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to acquire Taylor Ward, who belted 36 home runs with 100+ RBIs for the Angels in 2025. Ward brings another powerful right-handed bat and will lead off for Baltimore — a role he’s filled for 169 career starts with a .259/.326/.456 slash line.
Alonso and Ward bring 74 combined home runs to a lineup that ranked 11th in MLB last season.
The Rotation Overhaul
Pitching was the Achilles’ heel in 2025. The front office attacked it aggressively:
- Shane Baz (trade from Rays) — Former top prospect with a 97-mph fastball, acquired for four prospects and a draft pick
- Chris Bassitt (free agency) — Veteran innings-eater coming off a World Series run with the Blue Jays, 30+ starts in each of the last four seasons
- Zach Eflin (re-signed) — Looked electric in a small sample after back surgery last August
- Ryan Helsley (free agency, 2 years/$28 million) — Elite closer to lock down the ninth inning
- Andrew Kittredge (free agency) — Veteran setup man (currently on IL with shoulder inflammation)
The result? A starting rotation of Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Zach Eflin that is dramatically better than anything Baltimore put on the mound in 2025.
Every rotation spot improved. The 2026 group features a sub-2.00 ERA ace (Rogers) and four starters with legitimate upside.
Opening Day Starter: Trevor Rogers Takes the Ball
The 28-year-old left-hander earned this moment. After being acquired from Miami at the 2024 trade deadline, Rogers initially struggled (7.11 ERA in four starts). But in 2025, he had one of the best seasons of any pitcher in the American League:
2025 Stats (18 starts): 9-3 record | 1.81 ERA | 0.903 WHIP | 9th in AL Cy Young voting
Rogers was dominant at home, posting a 0.96 ERA and 0.70 WHIP across seven Camden Yards starts. He won the Most Valuable Oriole award and now gets the honor of starting Opening Day — his first career Opening Day assignment in 103 major league starts.
He’ll face Minnesota’s Joe Ryan, who has one previous Opening Day start to his name.
Projected Opening Day Lineup vs. Minnesota Twins
| Order | Player | Position | Bats | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Ward | RF | R | 36 HR, .259 BA in leadoff role (career) |
| 2 | Gunnar Henderson | SS | L | .293/.335/.506 from #2 spot; fully healthy after 2025 shoulder issues |
| 3 | Pete Alonso | 1B | R | 264 career HR, 5x All-Star, Orioles debut |
| 4 | Adley Rutschman | C | S | .841 OPS in spring training; heart of the order |
| 5 | Tyler O’Neill | LF | R | Returning power bat, veteran presence |
| 6 | Colton Cowser | CF | L | Bounce-back candidate after injury-plagued 2025 |
| 7 | Samuel Basallo | DH | L | MLB Pipeline’s #8 overall prospect; .333 BA, 1.114 OPS in spring |
| 8 | Coby Mayo | 3B | R | .378 BA with 2 HR in spring; filling in for injured Westburg |
| 9 | Blaze Alexander | 2B | R | Filling in for injured Holliday; versatile utility man |
Starting Pitcher: Trevor Rogers (LHP)
Key Injuries to Know
The Orioles aren’t at full strength to start the year, but the timeline is encouraging:
- Jackson Holliday (2B) — Broken hamate bone in right hand. Expected back mid-April.
- Jordan Westburg (3B) — Partial right UCL tear. Won’t return until mid-May at the earliest.
- Andrew Kittredge (RP) — Right shoulder inflammation. Brief IL stint expected.
- Keegan Akin (RP) — Spring injury, timeline TBD.
The silver lining: the starting rotation is fully healthy, and Coby Mayo (.378 spring BA) and Blaze Alexander have looked ready to contribute.
The Homestand Schedule: Six Games to Start the 2026 Season
Camden Yards hosts six straight games to kick off the year — the perfect chance to establish early momentum.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Probable Starter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, March 26 | vs. Minnesota Twins | 3:05 PM | Trevor Rogers |
| Friday, March 27 | OFF DAY | — | — |
| Saturday, March 28 | vs. Minnesota Twins | 4:05 PM | Kyle Bradish |
| Sunday, March 29 | vs. Minnesota Twins | 1:35 PM | Shane Baz |
| Monday, March 30 | vs. Texas Rangers | 6:35 PM | Chris Bassitt |
| Tuesday, March 31 | vs. Texas Rangers | 6:35 PM | Zach Eflin |
| Wednesday, April 1 | vs. Texas Rangers | 12:35 PM | Trevor Rogers |
Fun Fact: The Orioles have scored 10 or more runs in three consecutive season openers — a 10-9 win at Boston in 2023, an 11-3 victory over the Angels in 2024, and a 12-2 win at Toronto in 2025. Can they make it four in a row?
Tyler O’Neill Watch: O’Neill holds the AL/NL record for consecutive Opening Days with a home run, a streak he extended to six last year in his Orioles debut. All eyes will be on his first at-bat Thursday.
Scouting the Opponent: Minnesota Twins
The Twins are also in transition. Minnesota hired former Pirates manager Derek Shelton as their new skipper and lost ace Pablo López for the entire season after right elbow surgery.
Twins Strengths
- Byron Buxton remains one of the most electric talents in baseball when healthy
- Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, and Matt Wallner give the lineup upside
- New manager Derek Shelton brings a fresh approach
Twins Weaknesses
- Bullpen is a major question mark after trading five relievers last summer
- Lost Pablo López for the year
- Lineup consistency remains an open question
Joe Ryan takes the ball for Minnesota. The right-hander has one prior Opening Day start (2022, the sixth game of his career). He’ll face a revamped Orioles lineup that looks significantly more dangerous than anything he’s seen from Baltimore before.
Five Storylines to Watch on Opening Day and Beyond
1. Can Pete Alonso Be the “Cal and Eddie” Partner for Gunnar Henderson?
As one local writer put it, this team needs Alonso and Henderson to be the 2026 version of Cal Ripken Jr. and Eddie Murray — the franchise cornerstones who anchor everything. Alonso brings veteran presence, clubhouse leadership, and middle-of-the-order power. Henderson, fully healthy after a shoulder impingement hampered his 2025, is looking to recapture the form of his 37-homer 2024 season.
If this duo clicks, the Orioles offense goes from good to dangerous.
2. Craig Albernaz’s Debut as an MLB Manager
Thursday will be Albernaz’s very first game as a major league manager. The former coach with Tampa Bay, San Francisco, and Cleveland takes over a talented but underperforming roster. His “Day One” mantra — a philosophy of approaching every day with urgency and purpose — will be put to the test immediately.
How he manages the Rutschman/Basallo/Mountcastle playing time puzzle, navigates a rotation with high upside but some injury risk, and gets this team off to a fast start will define the early narrative of the season.
3. The Prospect Watch: Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers
Basallo (MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 overall prospect) torched spring training with a .333 average, three home runs, and a 1.114 OPS. The 21-year-old switch-hitter will split time between catching and DH. Beavers, meanwhile, enters the season with legitimate Rookie of the Year buzz and should see regular playing time in the outfield corners.
Both players maintained their 2026 rookie eligibility after limited action last summer.
4. Is the Rotation Finally Deep Enough?
For the first time in recent memory, Baltimore has five legitimate starters. Rogers, Bradish, Baz, Bassitt, and Eflin give the Orioles a rotation with a high floor and significant upside. Rogers anchors the group as the ace, Bradish has Cy Young-caliber stuff when healthy (2.83 ERA in 2023), and Baz has the kind of raw arm talent that could make the prospect-package trade look like a steal.
If even three of these five pitch to their potential, this team can compete for a playoff spot.
5. Can the Defense Turn a Corner?
The Orioles were one of the worst defensive teams in the American League in 2025. New infield coach Miguel Cairo has been tasked with improving the group, particularly Coby Mayo at third base. Cowser moving to center field full-time adds athleticism, and Ward’s outfield experience should help stabilize the corners.
2026 Season Outlook: What the Experts Are Saying
FanGraphs gives the Orioles a 52.1% chance to make the postseason — a dramatic improvement over 2025. The early schedule is favorable, with the first eight series coming outside the AL East. The O’s don’t face a division rival until hosting the Red Sox on April 24.
The consensus: if the rotation stays healthy and the new additions produce, Baltimore is a legitimate Wild Card contender and a dark horse for the AL East.
But getting off to a fast start is critical. After two consecutive disappointing starts in 2024 and 2025, this club’s psyche needs early wins.
How to Watch Opening Day
| Date | Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| First Pitch | 3:05 PM ET |
| Location | Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD |
| TV | MASN |
| Radio | 98 Rock FM (Baltimore) |
| Streaming | MLB.TV (subject to blackouts) |
| Matchup | Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles |
| Probable Starters | Joe Ryan (MIN) vs. Trevor Rogers (BAL) |
Camden Yards Parking Guide: Where to Park for Orioles Games in 2026
Whether it’s Opening Day or a mid-summer Tuesday night game, parking near Camden Yards doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are the best options near Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the 2026 season, with discounted rates that beat the stadium lot.
| Parking Garage | Spaces | Rate | Walk to Camden Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor Park Garage | 1,300 | $12 – $18 Get Offer | 20 mins by foot |
| Conway Street Garage | 80 | $45 – $65 Get Offer | 9 mins by foot |
| Lombard iParkit Garage | 400 | $25 – $45 Get Offer | 6 mins by foot |
| Downunder iParkit Garage | 788 | $28 – $42 Get Offer | 9 mins by foot |
| Camden Yards Stadium Lot | 900 | $45 – $85 Get Offer | On-site |
* Pricing varies based on events. Click “Get Offer” for real-time pricing for your game date.
Why Harbor Park Garage Is the Smart Play for Orioles Parking
At just $12 to $18 for all-day parking, Harbor Park Garage is the most affordable option near Camden Yards — saving you $30 to $70 compared to stadium lot pricing. Here’s why savvy O’s fans park with us:
- 1,300 spaces — You’ll always find a spot, even on Opening Day
- Unlimited in/out access — Grab pregame food at the Inner Harbor, come back, and head to the game
- Safe, secure, 24/7 facility — Your car is protected while you enjoy the game
- Central Inner Harbor location — Perfect for pregame dining and postgame celebrations
- 20-minute walk or 5-minute Uber to Camden Yards
- EV charging available
Pro Tip: Arrive early, park at Harbor Park Garage, and walk through the Inner Harbor for pregame eats at places like Miss Shirley’s Cafe, Power Plant Live, or any of the restaurants along Pratt Street. Make it a full Baltimore day.
Reserve Your Spot: fanatlasbaltimore.com/parking-nearby/stadium-lot/camden-yards/
Prepay for Parking: fanatlasbaltimore.com/prepay-for-parking/
Walking Directions to Camden Yards from Harbor Park Garage
- Head west on W Conway St toward S Sharp St
- Turn left onto S Sharp St
- Slight right to stay on S Sharp St
- Turn right
- Turn left at S Howard St
- Turn right toward Ravens’ Walk
- Turn left toward Ravens’ Walk — destination ahead (approx. 20-25 minutes)
Orioles Tickets for the 2026 Season
Single-game tickets for the 2026 Baltimore Orioles season are on sale now. Whether you’re grabbing Opening Day seats or planning ahead for the big summer series, here are the dates every O’s fan should circle:
Must-See Home Series at Camden Yards
- March 26-29: Minnesota Twins (Opening Day homestand)
- March 30 – April 1: Texas Rangers
- April 10-12: San Francisco Giants
- April 13-15: Arizona Diamondbacks (Jackie Robinson Day on April 15)
- April 24-26: Boston Red Sox (first division rivalry series)
- April 28-30: Houston Astros
- May 11-13: New York Yankees
- June 26-28: Washington Nationals (Battle of the Beltways)
- July 24-26: Atlanta Braves
- July 31 – August 2: Philadelphia Phillies
- August 18-20: New York Yankees
- September 3-6: Boston Red Sox
- September 21-23: Toronto Blue Jays (final homestand)
Visit Orioles.com/Schedule for the full 2026 schedule and ticket information. For exclusive postseason and home opener access, become a Birdland Member at Orioles.com/Memberships.
Gear Up for 2026: Baltimore Orioles Jerseys, Hats, and Merchandise
New season, new gear. Whether you’re repping Pete Alonso’s #25, Gunnar Henderson’s #2, or rocking a classic Orioles snapback, stock up on officially licensed Baltimore Orioles merchandise before Opening Day.
Men’s Orioles Gear
- Orioles Jerseys — Home, away, and limited editions including the new Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward jerseys
- Orioles Hats & Caps — Fitted hats, snapbacks, and the new 2026 Spring Training collection
- Orioles T-Shirts — Player name-and-number tees, performance wear, and long sleeves ($13 – $110)
- Orioles Sweatshirts & Hoodies — Pullover hoodies, full-zips, and mash-up logo designs ($22 – $160)
Women’s Orioles Gear
- Orioles Women’s Jerseys — Game jerseys and custom options ($100 – $200)
- Orioles Women’s Tees & Hoodies — Raglan V-necks, play-calling tees, and fashion options ($16 – $260)
Browse the full collection: Shop Orioles Merchandise
The Bottom Line: Why This Season Feels Different
The 2025 Orioles were a talented roster that lacked veteran leadership, rotation depth, and a healthy break. The 2026 Orioles have addressed all three.
Pete Alonso brings the presence this clubhouse needed. The rotation is the deepest Baltimore has fielded in years. And the young core of Henderson, Rutschman, Cowser, Holliday, Westburg, Basallo, and Beavers is another year more experienced and motivated by the sting of last season.
Craig Albernaz’s “Day One” mentality is the perfect mindset for a team that needs to prove it can play winning baseball from the start.
Will it all come together? We’re about to find out — starting Thursday at 3:05 PM when Trevor Rogers takes the mound in front of what should be an electric Opening Day crowd at Camden Yards.
This is the year. This is the team. This is Day One.
Your Opening Day Game Plan with Harbor Park Garage
Make your Opening Day experience stress-free. Here’s the plan:
- Prepay for parking at Harbor Park Garage — just $12-$18 all day
- Arrive early — gates typically open 90 minutes before first pitch
- Park at Harbor Park Garage — 55 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Walk the Inner Harbor — grab pregame food, soak in the atmosphere
- Head to Camden Yards — 20-minute walk or quick 5-minute Uber/Lyft
- Enjoy the game — first pitch at 3:05 PM
- Return to your car — no rush, unlimited in/out access all day
Harbor Park Garage
55 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-0888
Open 24/7
Reserve Your Parking: Camden Yards Parking Portal
This Week on the Blog
Stay tuned to Harbor Park Garage Events & Promos for weekly Orioles game previews, recaps, parking deals, and more throughout the entire 2026 season. Every home series, we’ll break down what you need to know — from the matchups on the field to the best ways to park, eat, and enjoy game day in Baltimore.
Next Week: Orioles vs. Texas Rangers Preview + First Homestand Recap
Opening Day. New Era. Let’s Go O’s.
🏈 #Birdland #Orioles2026 #OpeningDay #CamdenYards #BaltimoreOrioles #PeteAlonso #LetsMashBaltimore