The Baltimore Orioles find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they head into the offseason. Despite boasting a youthful and dynamic offense filled with star talent, they have yet to secure a postseason victory. With an influx of promising young hitters on the horizon, the Orioles are faced with significant roster decisions that could reshape their future. ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicts considerable movement for the team, which suggests a proactive approach to their offseason strategy.
Currently, the Orioles are known for their core players, including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, who have all made considerable impacts. However, additional talent is on the way with Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, and Heston Kjerstad poised to join the ranks in the near future. To effectively incorporate these new players into the lineup, the Orioles may need to make tough choices regarding their current roster.
One option that Schoenfield mentions is trading either Ryan Mountcastle or James O’Hearn. This strategy could allow the Orioles to save money, free up roster spots, and create opportunities for the younger players. O’Hearn’s value is currently at an all-time high following two productive seasons, while Mountcastle, a solid power hitter with a contract that extends until 2027, could also attract a strong return in a trade. By moving one of these players, the Orioles would create room for Mayo and Kjerstad to establish themselves as everyday contributors.
However, the roster shakeup may not end there. Schoenfield also predicts that the Orioles are unlikely to invest in extending contracts for established players like Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander. Although extending a qualifying offer to both players seems likely, the team may choose to rely more heavily on their younger talents instead of committing to long-term deals. Burnes, who posted an impressive 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings, is expected to command a significant contract after his stellar performance. Similarly, Santander’s 44 home runs this season could earn him more than initially anticipated, which might steer the Orioles away from making a long-term financial commitment.
Furthermore, Schoenfield’s speculation regarding Eloy Jimenez’s option reflects the team’s cautious approach. After joining the Orioles, Jimenez struggled, batting only .232 with just one home run, and he was even optioned during the season. Thus, his continued presence on the roster appears uncertain.
Looking ahead to free agency, Schoenfield believes the Orioles might focus on acquiring a mid-tier starting pitcher and potentially some bullpen assistance. Given the anticipated loss of Burnes, the starting rotation will require bolstering. While Grayson Rodriguez enjoyed a solid season, it’s unclear whether he is ready to assume the role of ace, particularly following his injury. John Means has had persistent health issues, and the earlier trade for Trevor Rogers has not yielded positive results, leaving the rotation in a precarious position. This situation indicates that the Orioles may need to fill out their starting lineup with reliable number two and three starters rather than a marquee name.
The bullpen, too, has shown inconsistency, especially in high-pressure situations, largely due to the absence of Felix Bautista, who is recovering from an injury. The Orioles need to address these weaknesses in their pitching staff while deciding whether to fully commit to developing their young talents.
Ultimately, the Baltimore Orioles will be looking to build on their recent successes and get back into contention for the playoffs. With a mix of young stars and some strategic trades or acquisitions, the team hopes to turn its postseason ambitions into reality by not only making the playoffs but also advancing deep into October in the near future. This offseason will be crucial for their development, and fans will be keenly watching to see how the organization navigates these challenges and opportunities.
For more detailed insights on the Orioles’ offseason strategies and player movements, you can find additional information on [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/mlb/).
