The Orioles: A Study in Contrast and Contingency
The Baltimore Orioles' journey over recent years is a reflection of resilience juxtaposed with moments of vulnerability, promising futures tempered by immediate challenges. With the 2023 and 2024 seasons in the books, the team has both uplifted and frustrated its loyal fanbase.
From Struggles to Success
Rewinding to 2018, the Orioles endured one of their most excruciating seasons, losing 115 games. These struggles continued with 108 losses in 2019 and 110 in 2021. Yet, these gloomy days set the stage for a remarkable turnaround. By 2023, the Orioles had racked up 83 wins, a significant improvement that took them to the playoffs for the first time in years.
Hot on the heels of their postseason appearance, Baltimore surged with an impressive 101-win performance in 2024, again securing a spot in October baseball. Despite this regular-season success, their postseason outings have left much to be desired, as they’ve yet to secure a playoff victory in five games, being outscored 24-12. Particularly concerning was their inability to score consistently, highlighted by managing only a single run in two pivotal postseason games.
Rethinking Roster Composition
This offseason, the Orioles face critical decisions that will shape their near-term future. Baltimore's General Manager, Mike Elias, acknowledges the looming challenge of potential player departures. He expressed concern over possibly losing Anthony Santander, who recently hammered 44 home runs, calling attention to the significance of his right-side strength. "I think we will. Anthony being a free agent right now, the possibility of losing him from the right side of the plate is something that we're looking at," Elias noted.
In addition to Santander's uncertain status, the possibility of losing their top pitcher, who is entering free agency, compounds the team's uncertainties. As Elias observed, “And then, our best starting pitcher from last year is going into the free-agent process.” The necessity to explore market alternatives is clear, with Elias emphasizing, “We hope it's those guys. But those profiles will definitely be missed if it's not those guys, and so we're going to have to look at the market for alternatives, too."
The Pitching Puzzle
The Orioles' rotation includes promising talent such as Zach Eflin, secured with an $18 million contract for the next season. Alongside him are Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, and Trevor Rogers, providing a solid backbone for the pitching staff. However, the health and readiness of the rotation remain in question, with Kyle Bradish currently recovering from Tommy John surgery. Likewise, the Orioles anticipate the return of Félix Bautista from a similar ordeal, casting some uncertainty over the bullpen’s strength.
In the broader context of league pitching, Corbin Burnes stands out, likely to finish in the top eight of Cy Young voting for a remarkable fifth consecutive season. This serves as a barometer of pitching excellence that the Orioles aspire to achieve within their own ranks.
Financial Flexibility for Strategic Investments
Looking ahead, the Orioles are notable for their lack of financial commitments beyond the 2025 season, providing them flexibility to make strategic investments. As the franchise evaluates potential targets to fill key roster spots, this financial freedom could be pivotal in securing the talents required to sustain recent successes and push deeper into the postseason.
The Baltimore Orioles' narrative is one of transformation—transitioning from a team overwhelmed by losses to contenders within a few short years. Yet, to invigorate their postseason aspirations and secure consistency in the coming years, important decisions on player retention and market engagements await. The steadfast support of their fanbase hinges on these crucial developments as the Orioles endeavor to build on their recent achievements while addressing evident gaps.