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Friday Bird Droppings: Pondering the Orioles’ Offseason
As the offseason rolls along, Orioles fans find themselves in a curious position: the team is fresh off a surprisingly successful 2024 campaign, and with an exciting core of young talent, Baltimore’s baseball future looks bright. However, the path to sustained success in Major League Baseball (MLB) is rarely straightforward, and there are critical decisions to be made in terms of player acquisitions, roster moves, and developing a deeper understanding of the Orioles’ overall long-term direction.
This Friday edition of “Bird Droppings” takes a look at the ongoing offseason for the Baltimore Orioles and what their priorities could be as they attempt to build upon last season’s progress. With several holes to address on the roster, as well as key prospects coming up through the system, there’s a lot to unpack as we evaluate what lies ahead for this promising team.
1. The Importance of Pitching
At the forefront of any discussion about the Orioles’ offseason plans is pitching. In 2024, while Baltimore’s offense was dynamic and exciting, the pitching staff was somewhat inconsistent, especially when it came to the starting rotation. As the team works to build a sustainable contender in the American League (AL), solidifying their pitching will be crucial for the next step in their evolution.
The Orioles’ starting rotation was much improved in 2024 compared to previous seasons, but it still lacked a true ace and faced issues with consistency throughout the year. Some of their top starters—like Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells—showed flashes of brilliance, but they were not able to string together enough solid performances to make the rotation truly elite. The bullpen also saw its share of ups and downs, with some strong performances from players like Felix Bautista and Cionel Pérez, but an overall lack of depth and reliability in high-leverage situations.
Given the team’s apparent desire to contend in the near future, addressing pitching depth and finding a true No. 1 or No. 2 starter seems to be an obvious priority. One avenue the Orioles could explore is signing a veteran pitcher who has experience anchoring a rotation for a postseason contender. A pitcher with playoff experience could not only help stabilize the staff but also be a guiding influence for the younger arms in the rotation.
Another interesting option could be to explore a trade for a top-tier pitcher. The Orioles are in a strong position to leverage their surplus of young talent, particularly within their minor league system. With several high-potential prospects on the verge of breaking into the major leagues, the Orioles may be able to package a few players to acquire a legitimate ace or top-of-the-rotation starter. Such a move would give the team the type of arm it needs to compete with the best in the AL East, which is home to powerhouses like the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.
Finally, the Orioles should not overlook the bullpen as they continue to build their roster. While Bautista is a bona fide closer, the bullpen as a whole lacks depth. Signing or trading for additional reliable arms would ensure that the team has enough firepower in late-game situations, which can make or break a season.
2. Bolstering the Infield
On the offensive side of the ball, the Orioles are in a good position. With stars like Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Gunnar Henderson at third base, and Ryan Mountcastle at first base, the team has one of the most exciting young infields in all of baseball. However, the Orioles have some questions at second base and shortstop that could be addressed this offseason.
In particular, the team needs to decide whether to stick with their current infield mix or go after an established shortstop or second baseman. At second base, the Orioles have had contributions from multiple players, including Adam Frazier and Jorge Mateo. However, neither has been able to secure the spot for the long term. Mateo, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his speed and defense, but his offensive inconsistency has led to questions about his future with the team.
At shortstop, the Orioles have seen solid play from Mateo and veteran Ramón Urías, but again, neither player has been able to fully establish themselves as a long-term answer. This means that the front office might look to bolster the middle infield by signing or trading for a player who could provide stability at shortstop. If a marquee player like Carlos Correa, who had a mixed bag of results in 2024, becomes available through free agency, the Orioles could certainly throw their hat in the ring.
One option to consider is the trade market, where the Orioles could look to acquire a middle infielder with a strong defensive pedigree and the ability to contribute offensively. A trade for a player like Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox, for example, could offer the Orioles a shortstop with the experience to anchor the infield and bring a bat that could make an immediate impact.
3. Outfield Depth and DH Role
Another area of the roster that may need some attention this offseason is the outfield. While the Orioles have promising players like Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, and the emerging Heston Kjerstad, the outfield still lacks the type of depth and consistency required for a championship contender. The team could potentially upgrade in the outfield by adding a proven bat to help stabilize the lineup.
Additionally, the designated hitter (DH) spot remains a bit of a question mark. Players like Anthony Santander have had some success in the role, but the Orioles have been looking for someone who can consistently provide power and offensive production in the middle of the lineup. The DH spot could be a place to rotate players like Santander, Mountcastle, and potentially a free-agent addition that could provide a significant boost to the offense.
One name that could make sense is Nelson Cruz, a player who still has a lot of pop left in his bat. If the Orioles were to sign Cruz or a similar veteran hitter, it would provide them with more protection for the young guys in the lineup while offering leadership and experience in clutch situations. Furthermore, the DH spot could be a great place to bring along some of the younger prospects, such as Kjerstad, as they continue to develop and learn the rigors of a full major league season.
4. The Prospect Pipeline
Speaking of young talent, the Orioles’ farm system remains one of the most exciting in baseball. With prospects like Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, and Joey Ortiz rising through the ranks, the Orioles have a lot of potential reinforcements on the way. The key question for the Orioles is how much they will rely on these prospects to contribute at the major league level in 2025.
Jackson Holliday, in particular, is the player who most fans are excited about. The consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Holliday is expected to make his big league debut sometime in the next season or two. The question remains whether he’ll be ready for the majors in 2025 or if the team will opt to let him develop further in the minors before bringing him up.
Colton Cowser is another prospect that could make an impact in 2025. After a solid 2024 season, Cowser is knocking on the door to the big leagues and could be an important piece in the outfield, providing the team with a potential leadoff hitter or key bat to complement their established players. Joey Ortiz, meanwhile, has impressed defensively and could emerge as the team’s everyday shortstop or second baseman.
The Orioles are in a unique position where their prospects may not need to be rushed to the majors, but if they can develop quickly, they could accelerate the team’s timeline toward contention. The key to success in this phase will be the organization’s ability to balance development with the immediate needs of the team, making sure they don’t push players too quickly but also maximizing their window of opportunity for winning.
5. Front Office Decisions and Financial Flexibility
Finally, a major storyline this offseason will be the Orioles’ financial flexibility. With a young team that’s still in its prime development stage, Baltimore’s front office has been cautious about spending big money in free agency. However, the team is now at a crossroads where the addition of a high-impact free agent or trade acquisition could put them into the upper echelon of the American League.
The Orioles have the financial capacity to make a big splash this winter, but the front office will need to weigh whether it’s the right time to do so. With several key young players who will require contract extensions in the coming years, it may be prudent for the Orioles to wait and see how their young talent develops before committing long-term to high-priced players. The front office will have to balance short-term goals with long-term sustainability, ensuring that the team doesn’t overspend while still putting the right pieces in place to compete for a championship.
Conclusion
The 2025 offseason for the Baltimore Orioles presents a crucial crossroads in their rebuilding efforts. With an exciting young core and a farm system brimming with talent, the team is poised for a breakout season. However, the key will be to address the areas of need: pitching depth, infield stability, and outfield upgrades. By making the right moves, whether through free agency, trades, or player development, the Orioles could find themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the American League for years to come. As the offseason continues to unfold, Orioles fans will be eagerly watching to see how the front office navigates this pivotal time.