One interesting storyline at the Orioles’ spring training is the expectations placed on the outfield. It could be one of the strengths of the team at the plate, but it could also be a liability on defense.The Orioles added a veteran power hitter in Taylor Ward, whom they acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels during the offseason, and are hoping for bounce-back seasons from Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill.If healthy, this could be one of the most productive outfields in the majors, with three players capable of hitting over 30 home runs, but there are questions about their durability and defense. Here is a look at three factors that could make or break the season for the outfield group of the Orioles.Power posseThe projected starters for this season are Ward in left, Cowser in center and O’Neill, expected to platoon with prospect Dylan Beavers. Former first-round pick Heston Kjerstad could also be in the mix, as he is having a strong spring training. There will be no lack of power from this group, with Ward and O’Neill hitting over 30 home runs in previous seasons. Ward is coming off a career high in home runs (36) last season, while O’Neill hit over 30 home runs twice.Cowser could also have the potential for 30 home runs, as he had 24 during his rookie season, but he will need to play a full season to hope to get to that many. He and O’Neill are coming off injury-plagued seasons and are hoping to stay healthy this season. Beavers will be the fourth outfielder and could see significant playing time when a starter goes down. He began his career with the Orioles with a seven-game on-base streak, and his patience and vision will be a pleasant change from the rest of the outfield. Defensive issuesThe Orioles have been spoiled by great defensive center fielders lately, with Cedric Mullins making astonishing plays in center and even going back to Orioles great Adam Jones. This group may not make the highlight plays like the former O’s center fielders, but they will need to be reliable if this team hopes to be competitive.Cowser played mostly in center last season and struggled at times with his timing and jumps to the ball. Ward is solid defensively, with only four errors in 153 games last season, but lacks range and athleticism, while O’Neill is known for a strong arm but lacks range as well. Beavers is a good athlete and does have experience in center, but he has the weakest arm of the group.They also have Leody Taveras, who is an above-average defender and will be the primary defensive substitution late in games. Orioles Manager Craig Albernaz will have to balance the team’s defensive needs with the offensive potential of this outfield. Youth movementBeavers, who was picked 33rd overall in 2022, will be in his rookie season after making a solid debut last September. He only batted .227, but he was walked 26 times in only 35 games. He had an on-base percentage of .375, which is well above the MLB average of .315 and should help the Orioles improve in an area they ranked 24th in last year.Another first-round pick could also make his debut with the Orioles this season in Enrique Bradfield. He is the fastest Orioles prospect, with 135 stolen bases in 209 minor league games, and is known for his ability to cover the entire field in center. He has struggled in limited playing time this spring, but he’s coming off a strong Arizona Fall League and will be playing for Panama in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.He would most likely need an injury in order to play in the majors this season and will spend most of the year in the minors, but his speed and defense are something the team lacks and could be factors later in the season.

SARASOTA, Fla. —

One interesting storyline at the Orioles’ spring training is the expectations placed on the outfield. It could be one of the strengths of the team at the plate, but it could also be a liability on defense.

The Orioles added a veteran power hitter in Taylor Ward, whom they acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels during the offseason, and are hoping for bounce-back seasons from Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill.

If healthy, this could be one of the most productive outfields in the majors, with three players capable of hitting over 30 home runs, but there are questions about their durability and defense. Here is a look at three factors that could make or break the season for the outfield group of the Orioles.

Power posse

The projected starters for this season are Ward in left, Cowser in center and O’Neill, expected to platoon with prospect Dylan Beavers. Former first-round pick Heston Kjerstad could also be in the mix, as he is having a strong spring training. There will be no lack of power from this group, with Ward and O’Neill hitting over 30 home runs in previous seasons. Ward is coming off a career high in home runs (36) last season, while O’Neill hit over 30 home runs twice.

Cowser could also have the potential for 30 home runs, as he had 24 during his rookie season, but he will need to play a full season to hope to get to that many. He and O’Neill are coming off injury-plagued seasons and are hoping to stay healthy this season.

Beavers will be the fourth outfielder and could see significant playing time when a starter goes down. He began his career with the Orioles with a seven-game on-base streak, and his patience and vision will be a pleasant change from the rest of the outfield.

Defensive issues

The Orioles have been spoiled by great defensive center fielders lately, with Cedric Mullins making astonishing plays in center and even going back to Orioles great Adam Jones. This group may not make the highlight plays like the former O’s center fielders, but they will need to be reliable if this team hopes to be competitive.

Cowser played mostly in center last season and struggled at times with his timing and jumps to the ball. Ward is solid defensively, with only four errors in 153 games last season, but lacks range and athleticism, while O’Neill is known for a strong arm but lacks range as well. Beavers is a good athlete and does have experience in center, but he has the weakest arm of the group.

They also have Leody Taveras, who is an above-average defender and will be the primary defensive substitution late in games. Orioles Manager Craig Albernaz will have to balance the team’s defensive needs with the offensive potential of this outfield.

Youth movement

Beavers, who was picked 33rd overall in 2022, will be in his rookie season after making a solid debut last September. He only batted .227, but he was walked 26 times in only 35 games. He had an on-base percentage of .375, which is well above the MLB average of .315 and should help the Orioles improve in an area they ranked 24th in last year.

Another first-round pick could also make his debut with the Orioles this season in Enrique Bradfield. He is the fastest Orioles prospect, with 135 stolen bases in 209 minor league games, and is known for his ability to cover the entire field in center. He has struggled in limited playing time this spring, but he’s coming off a strong Arizona Fall League and will be playing for Panama in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

He would most likely need an injury in order to play in the majors this season and will spend most of the year in the minors, but his speed and defense are something the team lacks and could be factors later in the season.

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