Three players to watch during Orioles spring training

Grayson Rodriguez, pitcher

2024 MLB stats: 13-4, 3.86 ERA, 1.243 WHIP and 130 strikeouts in 116.2 innings pitched

Drafted to be the future ace of the Orioles in 2018, pitcher Grayson Rodriguez has yet to live up to those expectations, but 2025 could finally be his breakout season. 

Injuries limited the 25-year-old to only 20 starts last season, but while he was healthy, he showed solid improvement over his rookie numbers from 2023.

With Burnes signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason, Rodriguez will be called upon in a major way to help ease the blow.  

They will need to prove that they have the pitching to stop opposing offenses if the Orioles want to be considered legit contenders this season.

Jackson Holliday, second base

2024 MLB stats: .189/.255/.311, five home runs, 23 RBI and four stolen bases in 60 games played

The No. 1 prospect in baseball last season, Holliday struggled during his first taste of MLB last season, slashing .189/.255/.311 over 190 at-bats. With a full offseason to prepare for his second season, big expectations exist for the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.

With a quick stroke from the left side, Holliday will look to do what helped him rise through the minor leagues and play pressure-free baseball.

While he won't be expected to carry the load for the Orioles offense, Holliday will play a big part in helping set the table for shortstop Gunnar Henderson and outfielder Tyler O'Neill.

Look for Holliday to have one of the biggest improvements in MLB this season. 

Tyler O'Neill, outfielder

2024 MLB stats: .241/.336/.511, 31 home runs and 61 RBI in 113 games played

After a big year with the Boston Red Sox, outfielder Tyler O'Neill cashed in by signing a three-year, $49.5M deal with the Orioles during the offseason.

The Orioles jumped on O'Neill fast this offseason, and for good reason. The 29-year-old tortured left-handed pitching last season, slashing .313/.429/.750 with 16 home runs and 31 RBI in 128 at-bats.

While Anthony Santander is going to be tough to replace offensively, the value that the two-time Gold Glove Award winner brings defensively will more than make up for it.

The big question mark will be if O'Neill can stay healthy, as he has only logged over 100 games played in a season twice in seven years.

If he can stay on the field, the Orioles could potentially have one of the biggest steals from the offseason.