When the Baltimore Orioles won the American League East in 2023, they figured to have staying power. That ended after one season in the ultra-competitive American League East, but the Baltimore Orioles should be competitive this season with a young and deep roster.
The Baltimore Orioles also have one of the best farm systems in baseball, turning years of high draft picks into potential stars. Their strong suit recently has been developing great young infield talent, and the Baltimore Orioles are too pitching-poor to be divisional winners. How many games do you think the Baltimore Orioles will win this season?
Baltimore Orioles Starting Rotation
The starting rotation is the weakness of the Orioles. They were able to soften the loss of Corbin Burnes by signing free agent Tomoyuki Sugano. He teams with the ageless Charlie Morton as the newcomers to a rotation that has starting Grayson Rodriguez and Tampa Bay’s import flamethrower Zach Eflin. Dean Kremer holds down the fifth spot in the starting rotation after having a strong second half last season. Nevertheless, if Baltimore makes a trade, it will probably be a young bat for an established starting pitcher. If the Orioles do that, Kremer may be the odd man out.
Baltimore Orioles Key Bullpen Pieces
The Bullpen in Baltimore is a strength. Felix Bautista is the closer. He has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two years. He replaces the shaky Craig Kimbrel in that role. One concern is that Bautista is coming off Tommy John surgery. He should be fully recovered for the 2025 season and ready for his new role.
To set up Bautista the Orioles have Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano, a lefty-righty combination. Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez also have good stuff and will occupy the middle innings. They are also capable of working in high-leverage situations. Baltimore may add to its strength here by signing a veteran reliever in Spring Training. David Robertson fits that role.
Orioles Catcher
Adley Rutschman has this position locked up for the Baltimore Orioles, but after being a star in 2022 and 2023 his numbers took a big step back last season. It is possible Rutschman played through injuries, but the Orioles may have to manage the workload of their catcher.
Orioles Infield
The infield is a strength for the Baltimore Orioles. Left to right it is Jordan Westberg at third, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, Jackson Holiday at second base, and Ryan Mountcastle at first base. Power-hitting young stud Coby Mayo is looking for at-bats, but may not get them.
Orioles Outfield
The outfield for the Baltimore Orioles is set with longtime starter Cedric Mullins in center, Colton Cowser, the young star, in left, and acquisition Tyler O’Neill in right. Young Heston Kjerstad could take at-bats from Mullins if he has a poor spring.
Orioles Designated Hitter
Ryan O’Hearn has mostly had this position locked up since he was signed via free agency from the Kansas City Royals. This season, expect him to cede some at-bats at DH to Mayo, Kjerstad, and Ruttshman.
Orioles Management
The Baltimore Orioles have consistently developed young talent, so the organization gets high marks. Brandon Hyde was the manager of the year in 2023. Things are trending upward for the Orioles.
Conclusion
It is a shame Baltimore is in the same division as the New York Yankees. Otherwise, they would win the division. As things stand now, they are a solid wild-card team. Look for them to deal some young hitting for pitching at the trade deadline. They could make a splash.
