Orioles Hope Core Players Drive 2026 Rebound Amid Injury Woes

The LG Twins are focusing on their starting pitchers—Yoni Chirinos, Anders Tolhurst, Lim Chan-kyu, and Son Joo-young—as the key to winning the Korean Series, emphasizing the importance of strong starting pitching for championship success. In the MLB, the Washington Nationals' farm system looks promising under new president Paul Toboni, with prospects like Eli Willits and others showing potential despite some setbacks, highlighting the need for player development and bounce-back performances. The Baltimore Orioles aim to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season marked by injuries and underwhelming pitching, having significant payroll flexibility but uncertain how aggressively they will invest in offseason upgrades. Similarly, the Orioles' core—Henderson, Rutschman, Westburg, Holliday, and Cowser—must perform well in 2026 to return to contention, while managing concerns over player health and development. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies hope to avoid regression in 2026 by relying on top prospects Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, and Aidan Miller to bolster their roster, especially as some key players approach free agency or show signs of decline. Across these teams, the emphasis is on developing young talent, managing injuries, and strategic roster building to compete successfully in the upcoming seasons.