The Baltimore Orioles: A Season of Highs and Lows
In the world of Major League Baseball, few narratives have been as intriguing as that of the Baltimore Orioles over recent years. From the depths of crushing defeats to moments of triumph and potential, the team's journey is a testament to both the resilience and volatility inherent in professional sports.
Back in 2018, the Orioles faced a dire situation, ending the season with a staggering 115 losses. Similarly grim seasons followed with 108 losses in 2019 and 110 in 2021. Yet, out of these challenging years emerged a team intent on rebuilding and aiming for glory. By 2023, the Orioles clinched a playoff spot with an 83-win season, marking the dawn of a new era.
The transformation continued into the next year, with the Orioles achieving an impressive 101-win season in 2024. However, despite reaching the playoffs in consecutive years, their postseason performance left much to be desired. The Orioles have been unable to clinch a postseason victory, holding an 0-5 record and being outscored 24-12. Particularly concerning was their struggle to bring runs across the plate, managing to score only once in two critical postseason matches.
As the team looked to maintain momentum, the 2025 season saw them achieve a respectable 91 wins, though slightly down from their previous campaign. A key highlight was Anthony Santander striking 44 home runs in a season, proving to be a powerhouse at the plate. Such performances have been vital as the Orioles navigate this complex landscape, especially with Santander now a free agent, potentially leaving a significant void on the right side of the plate.
The offseason challenges extend beyond the offense. Perhaps the most pressing issue is the future of their top pitcher, who is entering the free-agent process. General Manager Mike Elias has articulated the significance, saying, "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."
Amid these uncertainties, the team's pitching rotation stands ready with Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, and Trevor Rogers. Eflin, notably, has an $18 million contract for the next season. However, questions surround the rotation with Kyle Bradish and Félix Bautista both recovering from Tommy John surgery. Their return to peak condition will be a significant factor in the Orioles’ continued competitiveness.
As Baltimore approaches 2026 with no financial commitments yet lined up, the flexibility offers both opportunities and challenges. The Orioles must navigate the market wisely to fill potential gaps and build upon their recent progress. The goal remains to achieve the elusive postseason success that has so far slipped through their fingers.
Moreover, the backdrop of individual excellence cannot be ignored. Corbin Burnes stands out as a consistent performer, likely finishing in the top eight of Cy Young voting for the fifth consecutive season, underscoring the levels of talent the Orioles must compete against.
The future of the Baltimore Orioles is deeply intertwined with the strategic decisions they will make on and off the field in the coming years. Balancing player development, market acquisitions, and financial prudence will be critical. Their story is one of rebuilding and resilience, painting a vivid portrait of a baseball franchise on the brink of translating its struggles into lasting success.