The Baltimore Orioles were perhaps the most disappointing team in the American League in 2025.
After reaching the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles looked to take the next step toward truly contending for a World Series title. However, a quiet offseason was a precursor to a mediocre performance. Manager Brandon Hyde was fired after 43 games, as it became clear that 2025 was a lost season.
There are reasons for optimism. The Orioles responded well with interim manager Tony Mansolino at the helm, later posting a 60-59 record. The younger players are starting to establish themselves at the Major League level. With the right moves, the Orioles could be back in the playoff hunt in 2026.
Three key points for the Baltimore Orioles
1. It might be time to trade Adley Rutschman
Rutschman seemed to be on the brink of stardom during his first 2.5 years with the Orioles. Him then collapsed in the second half of 2024, with a miserable .207/.282/.303 batting line with three home runs and nine doubles in 234 plate appearances after the All-Star Break.
While Rutschman wasn’t that bad in 2025, he was only marginally better, as he posted a .220/.307/.366 batting line with nine home runs and 16 doubles over 365 plate appearances while battling both obliques. Although president of baseball operations Mike Elias insisted that Rutschman will be the starting catcher in 2026, top prospect Samuel Basallo signed an eight-year extension worth $67 million. Rutschman’s days in Baltimore may be numbered, and those discussions should start this offseason.
2. Find a feasible cutoff for 2026
The Orioles already have a significant hole in the bullpen heading into 2026. Former All-Star closer Felix Bautista undergo surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for most, if not all, of the upcoming season.
The Orioles have been through this before, as Bautista missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Craig Kimbrel was signed to take over as closer, but struggled to a 5.33 ERA and a 1.357 WHiP over 52.1 innings before being released in September. Options like Kenley Jansen and Devin Williams are expected to be available in free agency, though Williams could potentially get a longer deal than the Orioles would be comfortable with. If the Orioles are going to compete in 2026, they can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of 2024.
3. Be aggressive and keep the window open
The Orioles were complacent during the 2024-2025 offseason, tinkering around the edges while hoping for continued growth from their young core. That approach has contributed to the Orioles’ disappointing season.
That may not be the case this offseason as Elias’ seat heats up. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports this that the Orioles are expected to be aggressive in free agency, especially on the pitching front. While the Orioles need a top-of-the-rotation starter and need to improve the bullpen, Elias needs to improve their defense and find a middle-of-the-road bat. This should be a busy and eventful offseason in Baltimore.
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