Baltimore Orioles News

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Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo a High-End Power Option at Catcher?

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo gives fantasy managers a power path at one of the thinnest positions. The 21-year-old is hitting .248 with 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 32 runs, and a .761 OPS over 262 at-bats. There is no speed here, and the recent average has been shaky, so this is not a clean five-category pickup. But catcher power that can move a fantasy lineup is hard to leave on the wire. The batted-ball data backs up the home run total. Basallo owns a 91.3 mph average exit velocity, 45.0% hard-hit rate, and 12.2% barrel rate, which is real impact contact for the position. The downside is batting-average drag if the strikeouts pile up. Still sitting at 49% rostered in Yahoo leagues, Basallo fits as a power add in 10-team formats, matching RotoBaller's latest waiver recommendation.

10 hours ago

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Will Andrew Kittredge Continue to See Ninth-Inning Opportunities?

Baltimore Orioles 36-year-old right-hander Andrew Kittredge picked up the save in Thursday's win over the Cubs, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. The Orioles had multiple relievers work on Wednesday in a game that featured 16 combined runs, which is why Kittredge picked up the save. With Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the IL and seeking a second opinion on his right elbow, the Orioles have been turning to several relievers for saves. Kittredge has been decent this season, posting a 4.70 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with a 22:6 K:BB ratio over 23 innings. In addition to earning his second save of the season in four save opportunities, he also has four holds on the year. The Orioles relievers are hard to figure out: Tyler Wells was last week's flavor of the week after picking up back-to-back saves over the weekend, and with Helsley's return timeline up in the air, if anyone emerges from this pack as the closer, they will have immediate fantasy value. The Orioles have nine relievers with a save opportunity this season, and for fantasy managers to pick up Kittredge, we'll need to see more than one such opportunity.

17 hours ago

Pete Alonso • 1B • Orioles

Pete Alonso Still Carries League-Winning Power Potential

Across 402 plate appearances in 2026, Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is hitting .250/.341/.468 with 20 home runs, 62 RBI, 55 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 31-year-old got off to a slow start to his first season in Baltimore, hitting .198 with four home runs through the end of April. However, Alonso has turned it on and looked like his usual self since then, crushing 16 home runs across 268 plate appearances since the start of May. Alonso's 12.5% barrel rate is down slightly from his career mark of 14.7%, but he's still making tons of hard contact (53.7% hard-hit rate). Now that the early-season adjustment to a new environment is behind him, Alonso profiles as one of the most reliable and durable power sources in fantasy baseball. In leagues where his value may still be lagging due to his slow start, Alonso profiles as a clear buy candidate for fantasy managers.

Yesterday

Taylor Ward • LF • Orioles

Taylor Ward a Buy-Low Candidate Due to Second-Half Breakout Potential

Across 422 plate appearances in 2026, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward is hitting .254/.382/.353 with five home runs, 24 RBI, 55 runs scored, and three stolen bases. It's been a strange season from a power perspective so far for Ward, who posted a 13.7% barrel rate and slugged 36 home runs in 2025 but has seen his barrel rate dip to 5.8% this season. Ward reportedly suffered a bone bruise in his hand in mid-April that he's been playing through ever since, which could help explain the power outage. While it's possible that Ward's slugging ability simply will not return this season, the All-Star break may be the rest he needs to get closer to full health in the second half. The rest of Ward's profile remains strong, as he owns a 16.6% walk rate and has established an everyday spot at or near the top of the Orioles lineup. Fantasy managers may want to explore buy-low trades for Ward ahead of a potential power resurgence.

Yesterday

Tyler O'Neill • RF • Orioles

Tyler O'Neill Comes Off the Bench to Hit Two Homers on Wednesday

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill is pushing for more playing time. The 31-year-old veteran right-handed slugger came off the bench in Wednesday night's 9-7 loss to the visiting Chicago Cubs at Camden Yards to go 2-for-2 at the plate with two solo home runs. O'Neill is hitting just .193 (28-for-145) on the year with five home runs, 11 RBI, 19 runs scored, a stolen base, and a 27.7% strikeout rate in 166 plate appearances, but three of his five long balls on the year have come in his last 10 plate appearances. The former third-round selection by the Seattle Mariners in 2013 reached the 30-homer mark for the second time in his career in 2024 in his lone season with the Boston Red Sox, but he has fallen off a cliff the last two years in Baltimore, slashing .196/.293/.368 with a .661 OPS, only 14 homers, 37 RBI, 41 runs scored, five steals, 41 walks, and 97 strikeouts across 109 games (375 plate appearances). Since the beginning of June, O'Neill has been much better, going 13-for-50 (.260) with three homers, five doubles, three RBI, six runs, and a stolen base in 19 games.

Yesterday

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Is Andrew Kittredge a Potential Saves Source to Target on the Waiver Wire?

Across 22 innings (26 games) so far in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge has recorded a 4.91 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and one save. While the 26-year-old's overall numbers aren't particularly impressive, he's been much better of late. Dating back to June 11, Kittredge has allowed just one earned run across 8 1/3 innings (10 appearances). The Orioles recently placed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list, opening the door for potential save opportunities elsewhere. While Baltimore has turned to right-hander Tyler Wells in recent games, Kittredge has 22 career saves and might be the most experienced option remaining in the Orioles bullpen. If he continues to pitch well and Wells were to falter, Kittredge could work his way into the ninth-inning role. In deeper league formats, Kittredge could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.

3 days ago

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley Going for Second Opinion on his Elbow

Baltimore Orioles right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) will go for a second opinion, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Helsley is on the 15-day injured list for the second time this year after already missing seven weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow earlier this season. After going back on the IL last Friday with more elbow injuries, fantasy managers might want to plan for the worst, which could be season-ending surgery. The 31-year-old veteran reliever was on his way to a bounce-back campaign in 2026 in his new digs in Baltimore early on before going on the IL for the first time. He's thrown just 15 1/3 innings so far for the O's and has gone 0-4 with a 4.11 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, 21 strikeouts, and nine walks in 17 relief appearances. The two-time All-Star is worth stashing in most fantasy leagues until we know more about his timetable for a return. Tyler Wells has two straight saves for Baltimore since Helsley landed on the IL, but Rico Garcia should also factor into the saves picture for manager Craig Albernaz for however long Helsley stays sidelined.

3 days ago

Tyler Wells • RP • Orioles

Tyler Wells Converts Friday Save, Worth a Speculative Add?

Right-handed reliever Tyler Wells got the Baltimore Orioles' first save chance after Ryan Helsley (elbow) returned to the 15-day injured list, and he handled it cleanly. Wells retired the Cincinnati Reds in order on 10 pitches in a 3-0 win Friday, July 3, striking out one for his first save since 2023. Rico Garcia covered the sixth and seventh before Yennier Cano worked the eighth. The outing puts Wells in the mix, but it does not make him Baltimore's temporary closer. Andrew Kittredge had pitched Tuesday and Wednesday, while RotoBaller ranked Wells behind Kittredge and Garcia before the save. Wells owns a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts over 40 2/3 innings, making him a speculative add in 15-team saves leagues. His 3% Yahoo roster rate makes him easy to find, but managers in shallower formats can wait to see who gets the next chance.

6 days ago

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo is Gaining Traction Quickly

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo has been experiencing some good times at the plate recently. The fun continued for Basallo during Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The young catcher went 1-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in the win. It was his 13th blast of the year, which ties him with Carter Jensen for fourth among rookies this season. Over the last 15 games, Basallo is hitting .255 with three homers and 10 RBI. It's never easy for fantasy managers to find a consistent hitter at the catcher spot. Basallo has shown impressive power numbers this season and is deserving of a look in more fantasy leagues going forward.

7 days ago

Trevor Rogers • SP • Orioles

Trevor Rogers Must be Rostered During Hot Stretch

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers has found his groove on the mound as of late. Over the last 24.2 innings, Rogers has only allowed three earned runs. He has struggled at times with his command, but continues to be nearly impossible to score on. On Friday, Rogers continued his success with five scoreless innings of work against the Cincinnati Reds. The southpaw struck out four batters and allowed two hits in the win. His overall numbers on the season aren't great, but Rogers has been throwing the ball extremely well lately. Who knows how long it'll last, but fantasy managers should take advantage of it and scoop him up in all fantasy formats.

7 days ago

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Orioles Place Ryan Helsley on Injured List With Elbow Discomfort

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday that they placed right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 30) with right-elbow discomfort and recalled right-handed reliever Anthony Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. It's a bad sign after Helsley already missed two months with inflammation in his right elbow earlier this year. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star has gone 0-4 in his first year with the O's with an elevated 4.11 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, 21 strikeouts, and nine walks in 15 1/3 innings pitched. Helsley will now be out through the All-Star break and could struggle to return to Baltimore before the calendar flips to August. Veteran Andrew Kittredge could get some save opportunities given his experience, but the name fantasy managers want to target off the waiver wire is Rico Garcia, who picked up his first four career saves back when Helsley was on the IL the first time.

7 days ago

Gunnar Henderson • SS • Orioles

Is it Time to Sell Gunnar Henderson?

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson looked like the next superstar in 2024 when he hit 37 home runs, drove in 92 runs, and stole 21 bases in 159 regular-season games on his way to his first All-Star appearance. However, he could not run it back last year, finishing with just 17 home runs, 68 RBI, and 30 stolen bases in 154 games played. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger is already up to 16 long balls in 87 games in 2026 in his fifth year in the league, but his numbers everywhere else have come up well short again. Through 399 plate appearances, he's slashing .227/.298/.416 with a career-low .714 OPS, 39 RBI, six steals, and 49 runs scored in a league-high 361 at-bats. Under the hood, his xBA of .235 and xwOBA of .307 don't scream buy low in fantasy leagues. Henderson also ranks in the 63rd percentile in hard-hit rate, the 41st percentile in strikeout rate, the 45th percentile in barrel rate, and the 34th percentile in chase rate. The power has obviously been nice, but fantasy managers shouldn't be buying with the expectation that he'll return to his 2024 form in the second half of 2026.

7 days ago

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles |

Rico Garcia • RP • Orioles

Rico Garcia Back on the Waiver-Wire Radar in Baltimore?

Baltimore Orioles reliever Rico Garcia is back in the saves conversation, though fantasy managers should not assume he is next in line. Ryan Helsley (elbow) felt discomfort while warming for the ninth inning on Wednesday, and Andrew Kittredge ended up handling the inning instead. That leaves the Orioles bullpen unsettled, with Garcia among several relievers who could get a look for save opportunities. He has pitched well enough to remain involved, posting a (3-1) record, 2.52 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 39 strikeouts, four saves, and 11 holds over 35 2/3 innings. At 22% rostered on Yahoo, Garcia makes the most sense in 15-team formats and leagues that use the category solds. Kittredge may receive the first opportunity, while Tyler Wells, Yennier Cano, and Grant Wolfram are also in the picture. If Helsley lands on the IL, Garcia is more of a watch-list name than a priority pickup in 12-team leagues until Baltimore shows its hand.

Jul 2

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley Dealing With Elbow Discomfort

Baltimore Orioles right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) was dealing with some right-elbow discomfort, which is why he was not used on Wednesday in the 6-1 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Helsley is being checked out now, and manager Craig Albernaz said more information will come in the next few days. The MASN broadcast of the game showed Helsley in the bullpen holding his right arm after he stopped warming up, and he flexed his hand a few times and was rubbing his right elbow area with his other hand. This should have the O's and fantasy managers very concerned, as the 31-year-old veteran already missed seven weeks earlier this year due to inflammation in his right elbow. Helsley is a prime candidate to go back on the injured list before the All-Star break, with Rico Garcia once again being the top candidate for saves in Baltimore. Check back on Helsley's status on Thursday, but in the meantime, fantasy managers should run to the waiver wire and add Garcia, who is rostered in only 21% of Yahoo leagues.

Jul 1

Brandon Young • SP • Orioles

Brandon Young Pitching Well Recently, Emerging as a Priority Add?

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brandon Young has reached five innings in seven straight starts, and none of those outings included more than three earned runs. He also gave fantasy managers a little more swing-and-miss than usual on Friday, striking out a season-high eight while allowing two runs over five frames against Washington. Young is now (6-2) with a 3.11 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings. His next turn is scheduled for Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. Young is not going to carry a fantasy staff in strikeouts, but the steady workload and clean ratios have made him useful. He has worked his way onto 40% of Yahoo rosters and can be used as a streamer against the Reds this week. In most leagues, Young is more of a matchup play than a must-add for fantasy managers looking for innings and solid ratios.

Jul 1

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Adley Rutschman Reinstated and Starting on Sunday

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Sunday that they reinstated catcher Adley Rutschman (head) from the seven-day concussion injured list and designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment in a corresponding move. Rutschman is right back in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the visiting Washington Nationals and right-hander Zack Littell, doing the catching for right-hander Kyle Bradish and batting third for the O's. Samuel Basallo will move to first base, with Pete Alonso serving as the designated hitter. With Rutschman back, the O's can now mix and match again at catcher, first base, and DH with him and Basallo. The 28-year-old switch-hitting former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oregon State University returns to a .254/.329/.458 slash line with a .787 OPS, eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 26 runs scored in his 54 games played in 2026. The two-time All-Star has struck out at a career-low 14.5% clip, and he could be on the verge of a breakout in the second half with a .275 xBA and .354 xwOBA.

Jun 28

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo a Must-Add Catcher in 12-Team Leagues?

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo showed off his power on June 24, launching two homers and driving in four against the Los Angeles Angels. It was his first career multi-homer game, but Basallo is not living off one big night. The 21-year-old is batting .254 with 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 29 runs across 232 at-bats. His .472 expected slugging percentage and 12.0% barrel rate support the production. The weak side of the profile is clear. Basallo has one homer and a .487 OPS in 56 at-bats against left-handed pitching, compared with 11 homers and an .860 OPS against righties. Adley Rutschman (concussion) is close to returning, which could cut into Basallo's starts behind the plate, but Baltimore has already used him at catcher, first base, and designated hitter. Rostered in 50% of Yahoo leagues and RotoBaller's top catcher add in 12-team leagues, Basallo is a priority pickup for managers who need power at the position.

Jun 28

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Has Ryan Helsley Reclaimed Must-Start Fantasy Value?

Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley picked up his eighth save of the season on Friday, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. The hard-throwing right-hander stumbled in his first two outings after returning from the elbow inflammation that sidelined him for nearly two months, allowing four earned runs across 1 2/3 innings. However, Helsley appears to have righted the ship with back-to-back scoreless outings. The 31-year-old has had some trouble with control this season, issuing a 14.3% walk rate. Still, his stuff looks as electric as ever, as he's averaged 98.8 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 31.7% of the batters he's faced this season. Helsley looks to be secure in the closer role in Baltimore, which gives him must-start value in most fantasy formats.

Jun 27

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday Back in Lineup for Series Opener Against Nats

Baltimore Orioles middle infielder Jackson Holliday (groin) is starting at second base and batting eighth for Friday's series opener against the visiting Washington Nationals and left-hander Andrew Alvarez at Camden Yards, according to MLB.com. Holliday didn't start the last four games for the O's while nursing a groin injury, but he'll be back this weekend against the Nats as he looks to finally get his bat going in what has been an injury-plagued season for the former first overall pick. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter didn't make his 2026 season debut until May 19 due to a fractured hamate bone in his hand that required surgery back in spring training. Holliday teased 20-20 upside in 2025 in his first full season in the big leagues with 17 homers and 17 stolen bases, but so far in 30 games (99 plate appearances) in 2026, he's hitting .198 (17-for-86) with four homers, 12 RBI, 11 walks, and 30 stolen bases. There's still plenty of upside, but it's hard to recommend Holliday off the waiver wire with the way he's been swinging it, especially at the bottom of Baltimore's batting order. He's currently rostered in under 30% of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 26

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo Up to 12 Homers After First Multi-Homer Game on Wednesday

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo recorded the first multi-homer game of his career on Wednesday in the team's 7-6 loss in 10 innings to the hosting Los Angeles Angels. Basallo went 2-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI, and two strikeouts to raise his season batting average to .257 and his OPS to .782. It was nice to see Basallo have a good game after entering Wednesday's contest with a .177 average (11-for-62) with a homer, a double, six RBI, four runs, five walks, and 18 strikeouts in 19 games played in June. The 21-year-old Dominican backstop is now slashing .257/.317/.465 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 29 runs scored in 249 plate appearances in his first full season in the big leagues with Baltimore. Basallo will need to improve against left-handed pitchers to take the next step offensively, but he hits righties enough to be an intriguing young fantasy asset at the position. He has hit .266 (45-for-169) against right-handers this year with 10 of his 12 home runs. Basallo is currently rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 25

Baltimore Orioles News

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