As the Baltimore Orioles prepare for another offseason, the team's trajectory in recent years suggests a franchise on the cusp of contending greatness, albeit with notable challenges. In 2023, the Orioles ended their season with a respectable 83 wins. However, it was in 2024 that the team truly captured attention, with an impressive 101-win campaign that propelled them into the postseason for consecutive years.
Despite this regular-season success, the Orioles have yet to transfer this winning form into the playoffs. Their 0-5 postseason record over these years has raised eyebrows, with the team being outscored 24-12, and struggling to find form in crucial games, scoring just once in two pivotal postseason matchups. This postseason drought remains a pressing issue for a team eager to establish itself as a true contender.
A Rollercoaster in Wins
The team's regular-season victories have followed a somewhat erratic path. Following their 101-win season, the Orioles fell back slightly with a 91-win record the next year. Still, these figures are a seas change from their earlier struggles, notably the consecutive 100-loss seasons in 2018, 2019, and 2021, where losses hit a dismal 115, 108, and 110 games, respectively. Such a drastic turnaround in fortunes is a testament to the evolving strategy and talent management within the franchise.
The Financial Outlook
With regards to team finances, Baltimore has maintained a position of flexibility moving forward. Notably, they have no financial commitments lined up for the 2026 season. This positions the Orioles for strategic investments should the right opportunities arise. Zach Eflin, a prominent figure in their rotation, holds an $18 million contract for the upcoming season, anchoring their pitching staff amidst pending changes.
The Orioles' future roster may see significant alterations with key players on the brink of free agency. General Manager Mike Elias addressed concerns about potential roster changes: "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. And then, our best starting pitcher from last year is going into the free-agent process. 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."
Pitching Staff Dynamics
The Orioles' pitching rotation, a critical component of any postseason ambition, includes talents such as Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, and Trevor Rogers. The team faces uncertainties with their top pitcher entering free agency, and Kyle Bradish recuperating from Tommy John surgery. However, there is a promising outlook with Félix Bautista also expected to return from the same surgery.
On a national scale, the Orioles' presence was felt with Corbin Burnes likely finishing in the top eight of Cy Young voting for the fifth consecutive season, marking a consistent record of excellence that the Orioles can aspire to replicate within their ranks.
Home Run Power
Recent performances highlight the team's offensive prowess, with Anthony Santander marking a standout year by hitting 44 home runs. Should he depart in free agency, his absence will be keenly felt, necessitating strategic acquisitions or internal development to fill his shoes.
As the Orioles navigate these impending changes and explore market alternatives, their overarching challenge remains to translate regular-season victories into postseason success. Maintaining the momentum established in recent seasons while managing roster evolution will be key. How well they rebuild and capitalize on their flexibility will determine the sustainability of their newfound competitiveness in MLB's fiercely contested environment.