Locked On MLB - Daily Podcast On Major League Baseball Cracking the Opening Day Roster, Orioles rise in Pre Season Rankings
Mar 24, 2026
Debates around the 2026 offensive power rankings spark lively disagreement, especially Baltimore’s sudden leap near the top. Rapid promotions and Rule 5 roster drama create high-stakes opportunities for young players. A surprise roster notification during a mound visit and roster construction decisions highlight how small moves can reshape season narratives.
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Why Orioles Leap In Preseason Rankings
- Jim Bowden's preseason MLB offense rankings put the Dodgers and Yankees atop the list and surprisingly slotted the Orioles at number three.
- The Orioles' jump rests on adding Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward to inject power and the view that last year's 24th-place finish underperformed true talent.
National League Packs More Offensive Firepower
- The hosts stress that league composition matters, noting the National League currently houses more offensive powerhouses than the American League.
- That NL strength shifts how Jim Bowden's overall top-offense list looks, making cross-league comparisons uneven.
Mets Rebuild Offense Quickly With Bichette
- Jim Bowden slots the Mets at sixth after quick turnover replaced Pete Alonso with Bo Bichette and added depth like Jorge Polanco and Luis Roberts Jr.
- The hosts believe if those pieces perform to recent norms the Mets will score heavily despite the shakeup.