Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman will do whatever it takes to leave 2024 in the past. Rutschman had a season to forget despite earning his second All-Star nod.

Multiple injuries, including lower-back discomfort and a foul ball striking his right hand, likely contributed to him hitting .207 with only three home runs in the second half.

Things didn’t improve in October. Rutschman went 1-for-8 in Baltimore’s Wild Card Round loss to the Kansas City Royals.

“You’re just pissed off for months,” Rutschman told the Baltimore Banner.

Baltimore only went 33-33 in the second half. Their lineup lacked Rutschman’s potent power and consistent hitting, especially with runners in scoring position. Kansas City outscored Baltimore 1-0 and 2-1 in the two-game sweep.

Royals pitching limited Orioles hitters to 11 hits in those games. “Getting beat is terrible,” Rutschman said. ”

It’s the worst feeling as a player. “There’s plenty of fuel in just wanting to win,” he continued, “but there’s also the added hatred of losing.”

Lock it down, Lucas!#HEYHEYHEYHEYpic.twitter.com/NmZigChId6 — Kansas City Royals (@Royals) October 1, 2024 Looking back, the Orioles were so close to upending the Royals.

https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fhashtag%2FHEYHEYHEYHEY%3Fsrc%3Dhash%26ref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Etfw

Perhaps Baltimore could have knocked off the rival New York Yankees in the American League Division Series.

The Orioles haven’t won a playoff series since reaching the 2014 ALCS. Having a healthy Rutschman will go a long way in Baltimore avoiding another disappointing playoff finish, especially in a winnable American League.

At least oddsmakers appear bullish on the Orioles.

The FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Orioles +275 odds (bet $100 for a $375 payout) to win the American League East and +600 odds to capture the pennant.

Baltimore trails only the Yankees in both categories. Not bad for a team only four seasons removed from going 52-110.