Imagine a bullpen so unproven that every pitch feels like a gamble. That’s the reality the Baltimore Orioles are staring down in 2026. But here’s where it gets intriguing: a 36-year-old veteran, Albert Suárez, might just be the wildcard they desperately need. Let’s rewind for a moment—because Suárez’s journey to this point is anything but ordinary.
They say pitching is the lifeblood of baseball, and the Orioles learned that lesson the hard way during their injury-plagued 2025 season. Mike Elias, the mastermind behind Baltimore’s rebuild, has always understood this. It’s why, back in December 2023, he took a chance on Suárez—a journeyman pitcher who hadn’t graced a major league mound since 2017. At 34, Suárez was a long shot, but Elias saw something in his stints in Japan and Korea that others might have overlooked.
And boy, did that gamble pay off—at least for a season. Suárez, signed to a minor-league deal with a spring training invite, wasn’t expected to be more than organizational depth. But when the Orioles called him up for a spot start in mid-April 2024, he delivered in ways no one could have predicted. Over 133.2 innings, he posted a solid 3.70 ERA, proving he still had the stuff to compete at the highest level. His 2.7 bWAR that season wasn’t just a number—it was a testament to his resilience and value.
But 2025 was a different story. Injuries sidelined Suárez almost immediately. A right subscapularis strain after his first appearance, followed by elbow discomfort in September, limited him to just five outings and a 2.31 ERA. The Orioles non-tendered him at season’s end, only to bring him back on another minor-league deal. Now, as he heads to Sarasota for spring training, Suárez is once again fighting to prove he belongs.
And this is the part most people miss: Suárez isn’t just a feel-good story—he’s a low-risk, high-reward option for a bullpen crying out for stability. Yes, he’s 36. Yes, he’s coming off injuries. But if he can recapture even a fraction of his 2024 magic, he could be the difference between a shaky bullpen and a reliable one. The Orioles’ relief corps is a question mark heading into 2026. Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge are the anchors, but beyond them, uncertainty reigns. Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano have been inconsistent, while prospects like Rico Garcia and Yaramil Hiraldo are still unproven. Dietrich Enns, another minor-league success story, had a solid 3.14 ERA last year, but even he could be on the roster bubble if Suárez and Tyler Wells both make the cut.
Here’s the controversial part: Is Suárez’s 2024 performance repeatable, or was it a fluke? His mid-90s fastball and ability to keep hitters off balance were impressive, but his ground ball rate was a mere 35.5%, and his barrel rate allowed was just 7.1%. Was it skill, or was there some luck involved? What do you think? Is Suárez a reliable bet, or is Baltimore placing too much hope in a veteran with a recent injury history?
The Orioles’ bullpen depth is thinner than ever after trading Kade Strowd for Blaze Alexander. Prospects like Cade Povich and Brandon Young could factor in, but they’re far from sure things. Colin Selby and Grant Wolfram have potential, but they’re untested at the major league level. Chayce McDermott and Anthony Nunez are wildcards, but can they be counted on?
Suárez’s role in 2026 is far from certain. A healthy Suárez could give the Orioles five or six strong innings as a starter or provide valuable relief innings. But his workload will need careful management, especially given his age and injury history. Putting all your hopes in a 36-year-old coming off injuries is risky—but then again, baseball is a game of calculated risks.
So, here’s the question: Can Albert Suárez defy the odds once again and be the bullpen savior Baltimore needs? Or is this just wishful thinking? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—because in a season filled with question marks, Suárez might just be the most intriguing one of all.
