Orioles question of the moment: What would a successful season look like?

It has been a busy, exciting, and possibly incomplete offseason for the Baltimore Orioles. President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias has arguably been the most aggressive executive in the league this winter. The coaching staff has a bunch of new faces, including rookie manager Craig Albernaz. A bonafide “frontline” arm has alluded them to this point, but Shane Baz and Zach Eflin should fortify the rotation. Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward have been brought on to add some pop to the lineup. Ryan Helsely is an exciting ninth-inning option. And the latest addition of Blaze Alexander provides a versatile skillset that the roster lacked.

There are still a few holes on the squad. You let us know about them yesterday, when we asked what concerned you most about the season ahead. But it is fair to say the team is entering the year with a relatively rosy outlook.

Today’s question has that more positive perspective in mind: What would a successful season for the 2026 Orioles look like?

The definition of “success” is going to differ from team to team. Rebuilding clubs just want to show progress, see some flashes from their young players. Perennial contenders hope to win a bunch of games and go deep into the playoffs. The Orioles exist somewhere in between those two categories.

Based on perceived talent, the Orioles should be pretty good this year. But that was true going into 2025 as well, and we all know what happened there. Elias has behaved like an executive that is trying to put a winner together, even if some can criticize his inability to actually land the kind of starting pitcher he has repeatedly claimed to be in pursuit of. In general, though, it does feel like he has done enough to get this team back into the postseason conversation at least.

That line is where I believe “success” lays for these Orioles. First, they need to get into the playoffs. Whether that is as a wild card team or a division winner feels less important. Second, they need to win a game in those playoffs. The Elias-led Orioles have made two playoff appearances, and they have zero total wins (0-5 record) in those appearances. This team needs to break that unsavory run.

What do you think, Camden Chat? How would you define success for the Orioles this season? Maybe you just want to see them back above .500. Perhaps you will only settle or a World Series run. Or could you be more interested in individual successes, like a Rookie of the Year award for Samuel Basallo or an MVP for Gunnar Henderson. Tell us your thoughts down in the comments.