The Baltimore Orioles enter 2025 looking to build on consecutive playoff appearances, despite going 0-5 in postseason play. After losing ace Corbin Burnes and All-Star outfielder Anthony Santander to free agency, they’ve retooled with pitchers Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, plus outfielder Tyler O’Neill. But will these moves help Baltimore overcome their October struggles? Here are five pressing questions facing the team.
Will Orioles find true No. 1 ace?
The Orioles’ blockbuster trade for Corbin Burnes paid dividends in 2024, as the former Cy Young winner earned his fourth All-Star selection while posting impressive numbers: 181 strikeouts across 194⅓ innings, 2.92 ERA, 128 ERA+, 3.55 FIP, and 3.4 bWAR in 32 starts. With Burnes now with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a mega-deal, Baltimore has the prospect capital to pursue San Diego’s Dylan Cease or one of Seattle’s young arms after failing to land Garrett Crochet or Max Fried. Landing a frontline starter is crucial for a deep October run.
How will closer Felix Bautista fare coming back from Tommy John surgery?
The absence of All-Star closer Felix Bautista — due to Tommy John surgery — heavily impacted Baltimore’s bullpen in 2024. The relief corps ranked 23rd in ERA (4.22) and 15th in home runs allowed (263). The Craig Kimbrel signing proved disastrous, leading to his September release, while midseason acquisitions Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez showed mixed results. A healthy Bautista could transform this unit.
Can Tyler O’Neill replace Anthony Santander’s production?
Anthony Santander’s career year in 2024 — 44 home runs, 102 RBI, .814 OPS, 134 OPS+ — earned him a five-year, $92.5 million deal with Toronto. His replacement, Tyler O’Neill, showed promise with 31 home runs, .847 OPS, and 132 OPS+ with the Boston Red Sox last year, but he has battled injuries for three seasons. The Orioles need O’Neill healthy to complement Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman in the lineup.
How will 21-year-old Jackson Holliday fare in his second season?
Jackson Holliday’s MLB debut at age 20 proved challenging. After struggling in April, he returned in July to hit .189/.255/.311 with five homers and a mediocre 66 OPS+ across 60 games. While the 2022 No. 1 overall pick is penciled in as Opening Day second baseman, another slow start could prompt another minor league stint.
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Can Adley Rutschman bounce-back after second-half struggles?
It was a tale of two seasons for Baltimore All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in 2024. His All-Star first half featured 16 home runs, 59 RBI, a .780 OPS, and 119 OPS+. The second half saw a dramatic decline: three homers, 20 RBI, a .585 OPS, and 66 OPS+. Baltimore’s success in 2025 will hinge on which version of their star catcher emerges.
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