The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the most disappointing teams in Major League Baseball this season. They came into the season with expectations of contending for the AL pennant, but they find themselves in last place in the AL East.
There is not just one problem that has derailed the Orioles; rather, it has been a combination of factors that have led to their demise. One of the most significant issues has been keeping their top players in the lineup.
Orioles Stars Cannot Stay on the Field
According to Brendan Mortensen, the Orioles’ core of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, and Jackson Holliday have only played in six games together this season. That is one of the many reasons why the Orioles are struggling to win games.
However, some people believe the Orioles were doomed before the season even started. StatLogicSports said, “As constructed this team was a .500 team at best if healthy…This was a horribly constructed team entering the season. Period.”
As constructed this team was a .500 team at best if healthy. That doesn’t include the pitchers we knew were lost for the year or most of the year. They would have made a difference. This was a horribly constructed team entering the season. Period.
— StatLogicSports (@G_LovesWinning) July 2, 2025
The Orioles lost two key players in the offseason in Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander and did nothing to replace them. Letting both of those veterans go opened up opportunities for their younger players.
However, many of the players they were counting on have underwhelmed. Grayson Rodriguez was expected to be the ace of the pitching staff, but he has yet to debut this season due to multiple injuries, including right elbow inflammation.
Orioles Looking Towards 2026
At this point, it looks like the Orioles are too far out of the playoff race to make a comeback, especially with the injuries continuing to build up. They need to make up seven games in the AL wild-card race, and that includes passing seven teams ahead of them. Luckily for Baltimore, the core of its team is young, and the Orioles should therefore improve significantly next season.
Baltimore still has a strong farm system, including the 11th overall prospect in the sport, Samuel Basallo, whose major-league debut is imminent. The future of the Orioles remains bright if they can stay healthy. Across a 162-game season, you have to be able to win the battle of attrition, and the Orioles have not been able to do that this season.
The Orioles’ front office will feel pressure from the fan base to improve their roster this offseason, and if they can do so, this team should be back in contention next season.