SARASOTA, Fla. -- For the first nine days of Spring Training workouts in mid-February, the only game-like action on the Ed Smith Stadium field was live batting practice. Each day, Orioles pitchers faced Orioles hitters.
That's no longer the case.
The O’s are now four games into their Grapefruit League schedule after a 10-7 loss to the Braves on Monday in Sarasota. While the wins and losses aren’t important, the action can matter -- especially for players who aren’t assured of breaking camp with the big league team four weeks from now, as well as those battling for more playing time.
Here are five players who could solidify spots for Baltimore with strong spring play.
INF Coby Mayo
With Jordan Westburg out until at least May due to a partial right UCL tear, Mayo is in a prime position to seize the role of starting third baseman. The 24-year-old spent much of last season at first, but that spot is now occupied by Pete Alonso (and when not by Alonso, then by Ryan Mountcastle).
Mayo came up through the Minors playing third, but the former top prospect has often fared better at first. His bat started to play at the big league level last September (when he hit .301 with five homers and a .941 OPS in 24 games). However, he’ll likely need to show he can handle third to get playing time early in 2026 -- and he's off to an encouraging start, making a nice play featuring an off-balance throw on Sunday vs. the Tigers.
“I played that position for a long time, so I don’t think it’s too crazy to say that it’s not going to take too long to feel like normal again,” said Mayo, who is 2-for-5 with a double in two Grapefruit games.
RHP Yennier Cano
Cano’s stuff has looked filthy early in camp, and the 2023 All-Star has the inside track to a bullpen role, despite having two Minor League options remaining. The 31-year-old is a prime bounce-back candidate after recording a 5.12 ERA in 65 games last season.
Though Cano needs to show he can get out lefties (who slashed .330/.410/.538 against him last year), one improved pitch could help him more easily retire all batters.
“I worked a lot on my slider, which I feel like has looked a lot better,” Cano said via team interpreter Brandon Quinones.
Cano recorded two strikeouts while working a 1-2-3 inning in his spring debut vs. the Pirates on Saturday.
INF/OF Jeremiah Jackson
Jackson is an intriguing player if he can hit more like he did in August of his 2025 rookie season (a .323 average and .828 OPS in 26 games) than in September (a .221 average and .713 OPS in 22 games). The 25-year-old isn’t yet a plus defender at any position, but he’s been working at second base a lot and also has experience at third and right field.
If Jackson is going to push his way onto the team -- and avoid getting optioned to Triple-A Norfolk -- he likely needs to hit well in his first Spring Training as a member of the 40-man roster.
“I think it definitely helps knowing that I could be rewarded for my play this year,” said Jackson, who is 1-for-4 through two Grapefruit games. “It definitely helps keep me driven.”
OF Leody Taveras
Taveras was designated for assignment twice last year (by both the Rangers and Mariners) and will now look to bounce back with the Orioles, who signed him to a one-year, $2 million deal. The 27-year-old switch-hitter is a strong defender and has shown the ability to be a solid offensive player earlier in his six-year MLB career.
It’s likely that Taveras will have a spot on Baltimore’s Opening Day roster, but it wouldn’t hurt for him to go out and have a strong Spring Training showing.
“Happy for an opportunity and I’m happy to be here and ready to roll,” said Taveras, who went 1-for-2 with a run scored in his Grapefruit debut on Saturday. “I think I can contribute to the team and help win.”
RHP Jackson Kowar
A sleeper candidate to make the O’s Opening Day bullpen is Kowar, who was acquired from the Twins in exchange for cash considerations on Feb. 14. The 29-year-old had a decent showing for Seattle last year (a 4.24 ERA in 15 games) and is a hard thrower who averaged 97.3 mph on his four-seam fastball.
The Orioles have at least three or four open bullpen spots in a wide-open competition. So if Kowar goes out and shoves, he could easily earn a relief role.
“I think, at this point in my career, I’m ready to compete and win a job,” said Kowar, who is out of Minor League options. “My goal this spring no matter where I was at was to come in ready, and I feel like I’m in really good shape and ready to win a job.”