John Sparaco

John Sparaco

Joined: Jul 29, 2025

John Sparaco is a contributing writer for the Mets website On SI. He has previously written for Cold Front Report, Times Union and JKR Baseball, where he profiled some of the top recruits, college players and draft prospects in baseball. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @JohnSparaco

Jun 4, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Baltimore Orioles starter Cade Povich (37) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Jul 20, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Andrew Kittredge (39) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Apr 16, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin (45) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Sep 9, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) celebrates hitting a walk off rbi single during the tenth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) greets shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) before the start of the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

News

Opening Day is right around the corner for the Baltimore Orioles. Here is how their starting lineup could look on March 26.

Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Members of the Baltimore Orioles take the field before the start of the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

News

How the Orioles’ 26-man roster could shape up on Opening Day, including lineup, rotation and bullpen projections.

Jul 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) celebrates after hitting a single during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

News

Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday (right hamate bone fracture) provided an update on his rehab timeline Monday.

Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

News

Before Friday’s spring game, Craig Albernaz named the Orioles’ Opening Day starter for March 26 against the Twins.

Sep 6, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) runs around the base after he hit a solo home run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: im Klement-Imagn Images

News

Former slugger Chris Davis and two others will be inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2026.

Jul 2, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (39) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

News

Craig Albernaz said there’s a “low” probability Andrew Kittredge will be ready for Opening Day after his latest setback.

Sep 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) is interviewed after hitting a walk off home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

News

Orioles top prospect Samuel Basallo left Thursday’s spring game after suffering an injury during a play at the plate.

Jul 25, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Thairo Estrada (39) looks to the crowd before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Colorado Rockies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

News

In the wake of injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, the Orioles add Thairo Estrada for infield depth.

Sep 18, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Coby Mayo (16) celebrates after hitting a single during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

With Jordan Westburg out until at least May 1, Coby Mayo could open the season as the Orioles’ starting third baseman.

Sep 28, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg (11) throws out New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (not pictured) after fielding a ground ball during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

With Jordan Westburg sidelined through the end of April, the Orioles now have two Opening Day infield spots up for grabs.

Sep 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Coby Mayo (16) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Coby Mayo has been the subject of trade rumors for months, but infield injuries could push him into an important role.

Aug 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

As potential suitors move in other directions, the Orioles appear to be in strong position to land Framber Valdez.