Coming off a historic season, do the Baltimore Orioles have what it takes to win the World Series?
Having finished the 2022 season above .500 for the first time since 2016, Baltimornot only clinched a spot in the postseason but also won the American League East with a 101-61 record. This marked the first time since 2014 that the Orioles clinched the divisional title and was also the first time since the 1980 season that the Baltimore Orioles won 100 regular season games. Baltimore’s historic season ended after being swept by the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers in the divisional series.
While being an Orioles fan in 2023 was great, the 2024 season could be even better. According to manager Brandon Hyde, the Orioles are coming into the 2024 season “really driven” and “really hungry” with their sights set on advancing in the postseason. The future is bright in Baltimore, but a few key things need to happen for the Orioles to be the team they want to be and win the World Series in 2024.
The Orioles Path to the World Series in 2024
Add Depth to the Pitching Staff
With roughly 30 days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, the question of when the Orioles will add the pitching depth they desperately need remains unanswered. While the Birds added firepower to their bullpen with the signing of RHP Craig Kimbrel in December, the team is still without an ace in their starting rotation.
Last season, Baltimore’s rotation featured nine different starters, with only three pitchers making 30 or more starts on the year. The rotation was good but not great, having ranked in the middle of the pack across multiple categories. With veteran right-handers Kyle Gibson and Jack Flaherty signing elsewhere this offseason, the starting five in Birdland today would consist of Bradish, Rodriguez, Means, Kramer, and Irvin.
The Orioles are not known to be big spenders in the free-agent market, so it is unlikely that the team will be in the market for a higher-end free-agent starter such as Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, or Marcus Stroman, who are all likely to sign for $20 million or more this offseason. Having the best farm system in the major leagues, seeing the Orioles tap into their pool of prospects and trade for a starter seems more realistic. With veteran aces Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, and Shane Bieber all seemingly on the trading block this offseason, parting ways with some of the team’s top prospects in exchange for a veteran ace could be the difference maker in this young Orioles team making it deep into the postseason.
Improve the Bullpen
Following the announcement that All-Star closer Félix Bautista would undergo Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the 2024 season, the Orioles wasted no time signing veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to a one-year deal with a club option for 2025. Adding Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star with the eighth most career saves in MLB history (417), adds depth and a sense of security to the Baltimore bullpen. Reliever Dillon Tate is also expected to return to the Orioles bullpen after injuries caused him to miss the 2023 season.
The Orioles are also rumored to be interested in another right-handed reliever in veteran Ryan Brasier, who, after a rough start in Boston last season, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and had an incredible second half of the season, giving up three earned runs to a 0.70 ERA over 38 2/3 innings in 39 appearances. Right now, the Orioles bullpen on Opening Day, likely featuring four lefties and four righties, already looks strong on paper, so the addition of yet another veteran can only bolster the pitching staff in Birdland, especially if the young starters are unable to make it past the fifth.
Avoid Arbitration
The clock is ticking for the Orioles. The deadline to avoid arbitration is only a few days away. They have to lock down one-year deals or contract extensions with their eligible players. Baltimore had 17 arbitration-eligible players but has brought that number down to 13. Baltimore managed to retain by signing Jorge Mateo, Keegan Akin, Sam Hilliard, and Ryan McKenna to new contracts.
13 players are eligible for arbitration but John Means recently signed a one-year, $3.325 contract earlier today. That leaves Danny Coulombe, along with outfielder Anthony Santander, each in their final year of arbitration. Also qualified are outfielders Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays. Both players, along with Ryan O’Hearn and Dillon Tate, will not reach free agency until 2026. Entering their first year of arbitration are infielders Ryan Mountcastle and Ramón Urías, Cionel Pérez, Cole Irvin, Jacob Webb, and Tyler Wells.
It is safe to assume that the remaining unsolved contract situations will be resolved.
Stay Healthy
In 2023, the Baltimore Orioles lost 758 games to injury. Of the 758 games lost, 147 came from injured position players. Meanwhile, 156 came from injured starting pitchers, and 455 games came from injured relievers. In fact, not a single player in the lineup on Opening Day made it through the entire 162-game season. The Orioles were also without all-stars Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle, who missed 78 games due to injury in 2023.
Overall, the Orioles were fortunate with injuries last season. Despite losing Bautista in August, the team saw the return of right-hander John Means. He spent most of the season on the injured list rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery before making his debut. Outfielder Anthony Santander, who led the team in RBIs last season, avoided making the injured list in 2023. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who is also no stranger to the injured list, remained relatively healthy.
Injuries happen, and Baltimore has plenty of young talent to turn to when they do. Staying healthy and keeping their stars in the lineup should be Birdland’s priority in 2024.
Orioles World Series Outlook
After the remarkable Cinderella season the Baltimore Orioles had in 2023, what comes next for this young team in 2024? According to Hyde, it’s advancing in the postseason. The Orioles proved they have what it takes to contend with the best. Regardless, the future is bright for Baltimore and it’s a great time to be a fan.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Schwab-USA TODAY Sports
