Pictured: Oriole Bird assists in loading up the gear for Spring Training. Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles.

Although it feels like winter is still in full swing on the Gulf Coast, spring time–and Major League Baseball’s Spring Training–is fast approaching. Earlier this week, a fleet of trucks departed from Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, marking the start of their 1,000 mile journey down to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. The trucks, which are carrying 320 uniforms, 300 hats, 200 helmets and 10 pitching machines, are not alone in their pilgrimage south. All across the country, Major League teams are beginning their migration towards warmer weather, some to Arizona’s Cactus League and others to the Grapefruit League in southern Florida. The start of Spring Training is mere weeks away, with the area’s teams–the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves–all set to report to camp in just over two weeks. Here’s what you need to know about the Orioles, who call Sarasota home for six weeks every spring.

Buy stock in the Baltimore Orioles right now because chances are, they’re going to be really good, for a really long time. The Orioles absolutely exploded in 2023, finishing with the second best record in all of baseball at 101-61. One of the youngest teams in the sport, the Orioles fell short in the playoffs, losing to the eventual World Series champions, the Texas Rangers, in the American League Divisional Series.

But help–if they even need it–is assuredly on the way. Shortstop Jackson Holliday remains the top prospect in all of baseball and could crack the Opening Day roster with a strong Spring Training. Second baseman Connor Norby could also make his way onto the Opening Day roster–the 2021 second-rounder hit a blistering .290/.359/.483 with 21 home runs and 92 RBIs at AAA Norfolk last year. Corner infielder Coby Mayo is also a player to look out for. MLB Pipeline’s 30th ranked prospect, Mayo will likely start the year in AAA Norfolk, but has a chance to join the team later this summer if his ferocious approach at the plate continues to yield positive results. The Orioles only issue? Finding enough spots on the field for all of their promising young players.

Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St, Sarasota, 941-893-6300.

Pictured: Oriole Bird assists in loading up the gear for Spring Training. Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles.

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