Assessing the Orioles’ Infield in 2021

After a season with extra hurdles because of COVID-19, the Baltimore Orioles turned the page to 2021 hoping to build on the shortened 2020 season’s progress. Certainly, finishing with a losing record is not the expectation of both Orioles staff and fans alike, but, as manager Brandon Hyde and executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias see it, there is a lot to build on. For starters, the infield rotation is among the areas where fans such as Brandon Glickstein may see significant changes in 2021.  

At first base, the team’s hope is for Trey Mancini to come back from colon cancer treatment and give the team a reliable solution at this position. Mancini is one of the Orioles’ best players, so having him ready for a full season workload is a top priority for the clubhouse. Ryan Mountcastle could also get some game time at the position, having appeared in the same slot in ten games in the previous season.  

While the situation is quite clear at first base, second base is trickier. 2020’s starter, Hanser Alberto, was non-tendered to pave the way for the Orioles to attempt to re-sign at a discount or let him move on. The executive team is also not entirely sold on Pat Valaika, a utility infielder with good batting skills but weak defensive awareness. If they both do not make it back, 2019 Gold Glove winner Yolmer Sanchez could stand to benefit. 

The Orioles have limited options at shortstop, mainly because 2020 starter Jośe Iglesias was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in early December 2020. The team’s replacement options include Richie Martin and Valaika, even though options can be sourced through free agency or trade. Jurickson Profar and Freddy Galvis profile as some of the market options that the Orioles could go after to shore up the position.  

Third base figures to be a position of need, given that incumbent Rio Ruiz showed regression in his defensive skills during the 2020 season. Second baseman Sanchez could see some time here, as could Rylan Bannon, a recent addition to the 40-man roster who could push to make his Orioles debut sooner. 

Exciting Young Talent 

While Elias and Hyde have work to get the roster to contender status, the talent is something fans can get excited about. Trey Mancini’s return to the diamond makes the team better, and the stable of young, developing players could be a sign of an even brighter future for the Orioles.