Orioles News & Notes - January 2026

[Orioles]

From the Jan 22 BA article 14 Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Players To Target In 2026:


Sal Stewart, 1B, Reds

Like with Pasquantino, RoboScout has been a proponent of Stewart for a few years now, liking his blend of hit, power and age for level. For three straight years, Stewart’s minor league contact rate has been plus at 78 to 80%. His 90th percentile exit velocity has risen consistently from 103 mph as a 19-year-old to 107 mph last year, while he’s also barreled at a rate higher than 17% in each year. There were questions as to where he would play on defense, but it seems like his likely home will be first base.

In our rankings blurb, we likened Stewart to Pasquantino as someone who should hit .270 to .280 with on-base percentages that should reach .350 at peak while putting up 20-plus home runs yearly. His homer totals are likely to be even higher playing at Great American Ball Park.


James Wood, OF, Nationals

Over the first half of 2025, Wood looked like he was ascending to superstar status. He hit .278/.381/.534 with 24 home runs before things came crashing down after the all-star break. Over the final 62 games, Wood hit .223/.301/.388 with a strikeout rate that ballooned to 39%. The Ks are certainly scary, but it’s important to note that 2025 was only Wood’s age-22 season. He’s in rare air as someone so young with a 30-home run season already under his belt. There’s every reason to expect Wood will find more consistency over the next few seasons and challenge for the home run title year in and year out.