These players have all shined in the postseason — something the O’s have recently failed to do
The Orioles were swept by the Royals in the 2014 ALCS. They lost the ALWC game to the Blue Jays in 2016. They were swept by the Rangers in the 2023 ALDS. And most recently, they were swept by the Royals in the 2024 ALWC round.
That is 10 straight playoff losses, which is tied for the fourth longest playoff losing streak in MLB history.
How can a team overcome this kind of drought? Go out and get some playoff-tested talent — veterans in the game who not only thrive but get better under the bright lights.
So, here are three free agents that could help the Orioles perform better in October.
This former Mets’ slugger would fit perfectly in Baltimore
Fresh off his three-run, ninth inning home run against Devin Williams that sent the Mets to the NLDS, Pete Alonso has stellar numbers in his brief playoff career.
Across 16 games in 2022 and 2024 with the Mets, he has 4 home runs and 10 RBIs. He has posted a .273 AVG and 1.003 OPS which are both higher than his regular season career averages. His 14 walks also stands out, averaging almost a walk per game.
It’s also helpful to look at some of the pitchers he has come up big against. His game-winning home run against Milwaukee came against Devin Williams, who has a 1.83 career ERA. His game 3 home run against Philadelphia came against the Phillies’ Aaron Nola, who has a 3.70 career ERA.
While his postseason experience is limited to 16 games, he has put up big numbers in big spots against big arms — and this kind of veteran confidence is just what the O’s could use in their young lineup.
This former Orioles’ starter can lead Baltimore’s rotation
Similar to Alonso, Corbin Burnes’ playoff experience is fairly limited. Across his Brewers and O’s tenure, he has pitched in nine games for a total of 27.0 innings, including three starts and six relief appearances.
In that time, his 2.33 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and .178 AVG are all better than his regular season averages.
Interestingly, he has experience both relieving and starting in the playoffs with the Brewers, displaying his versatility. He also threw an eight inning, one run gem against the Royals in his only playoff appearance with the O’s (which he lost 1-0 since the O’s lineup did nothing).
There are, of course, many reasons to re-sign Burnes, and his playoff performance and overall resilience on the mound makes him even more compelling.
The Orioles could upgrade their bullpen by signing this star closer
Finally, 37-year-old Kenley Jansen is another free agent who gets less attention but would be a strong add to the bullpen nonetheless.
His 2.20 career ERA in the playoffs bests his 2.57 career ERA in the regular season, which is impressive given he is facing better lineups in the postseason and has pitched in the playoffs in 10 seasons dating back to 2013.
His 0.80 WHIP and .148 AVG also jump out, in addition to his 94 strikeouts in 65.1 innings.
Jansen is certainly on the older side but may have a few years left. He would certainly be more trusted than younger arms who have less experience in those high leverage situations.
Alonso, Burnes, and Jansen have all shown that they can perform in the playoffs. In fact, all three have put up better numbers in the playoffs than the regular season, a testament to their ability to not just perform but take it up a notch in those high pressure situations.
Given how quiet the O’s have been this offseason, it would be a pleasant surprise if they could snag even one of these three names.
Regardless, a search for battle-tested players, whether via free agency or trade, would benefit an Orioles team that has not won a playoff game in 10 years.
