The Baltimore Orioles have wrapped up their 2024 season with a record of 91-71, landing them in second place in the highly competitive AL East, and they did it with an intriguing mix of youthful flair and experienced execute—a combination that secured them a postseason spot for the second straight year.
While their team ERA of 3.94 placed them 14th in MLB, it was their explosive offense, boasting a team OPS of .751 and ranking 4th in the majors, that truly caught the eye.
The Bright Spots
Baltimore’s offense was powered by some of the game’s most promising young talents. Gunnar Henderson, leading the charge, put up numbers that would have made him an MVP contender in almost any other season.
At just 23, he slammed 37 homers, swiped 21 bases, and tallied an impressive .893 OPS. He had quite the supporting cast, too.
Anthony Santander made a case as one of the offseason’s most enticing free-agent power bats after belting 44 homers. Meanwhile, Colton Cowser bounced back from his prior struggles to notch 24 home runs alongside a .768 OPS.
Jordan Westburg added to the mix with an .792 OPS and 18 homers, while Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, and Ramon Urias all provided solid offensive performances, cementing Baltimore’s standing as a formidable offensive team.
On the mound, Corbin Burnes delivered a stellar performance in what might be his lone year with the Orioles, pitching 192 2/3 innings with a 2.92 ERA and a 181/48 K/BB ratio. Albert Suarez emerged as a surprise standout, proving to be the second-most reliable starter for the team. Despite injury woes, glimpses of brilliance from Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and John Means added depth to a promising rotation.
The Challenges
Despite a promising start, the Orioles’ journey hit turbulence as the season progressed. Early on, they seemed poised for a 100-win season but ultimately stumbled in the second half, going 40-41, losing the division lead, and getting swept out of the Wild Card Series by the Royals.
A significant factor was the rotation’s instability—13 different starters cycled through the season, and attempts to bolster it via trades for Trevor Rogers and Zack Eflin fell flat. The bullpen had its moments, but veteran Craig Kimbrel struggled, ultimately losing his closing role and being designated for assignment.
Offensively, not everyone kept pace with Henderson’s meteoric rise. Adley Rutschman, a heralded rookie from the previous season, experienced a slump, struggling especially against right-handed pitchers, closing the year with a .709 OPS.
Jackson Holliday, a much-anticipated call-up, had a tough introduction to the majors, though he showed improvement during his second stint. Baltimore’s bats went cold at the worst possible time in the postseason against Kansas City, scoring only one run—a Mullins solo homer—while posting a disappointing .167/.225/.242 slash line.
Fantasy Perspectives
Adley Rutschman, entering 2024 with sky-high expectations, saw a significant dip in production, with an OPS of .585 in the season’s second half. His struggles against right-handers were particularly glaring, but his solid plate discipline and defensive prowess suggest a valuable bounceback potential. Meanwhile, Jackson Holliday’s rough start was tempered by incremental improvements upon his second return, indicating that while difficult, his journey mirrors many promising players who blossom in their sophomore seasons.
Though Felix Bautista was absent in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, his stellar past performances provide optimism for a return to elite status in 2025. His 2023 stats—33 saves with a 1.48 ERA—are a testament to his capabilities, positioning him as a top closer when healthy.
Free Agency and Team Needs
Baltimore faces key decisions in the offseason. Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander headline a list of notable free agents, alongside players like James McCann and Austin Slater.
Significant choices remain on several potential club options, including Eloy Jimenez, whose option is unlikely to be exercised. Prioritizing Burnes’ return should be high on Baltimore’s agenda, yet regardless of these decisions, the team’s outlook remains promising thanks to its strong core and robust player development system.
The Orioles, should they solidify their rotation and bolster the bullpen, especially with Bautista’s uncertain return, will continue as contenders with one of the brightest futures in Major League Baseball.
