As the Orioles reflect on their recent postseason exit at the hands of the Kansas City Royals, a closer examination of their offensive journey this season reveals a tale of two halves. The Orioles offense, which showed brilliance early on, encountered some turbulence as the season wore on, resulting in a notable dip in performance.
Before the calendar flipped to August, the Orioles were soaring. Through July 31st, they boasted a record of 65-44, placing them third in the majors and on track for a stellar 97-win season.
During these first 109 games, they were a force to be reckoned with, averaging 5.07 runs per game—third best in the league—and an OPS of .774, leading all of MLB. The offense was undeniably clicking, and expectations were high.
However, starting August 1st, the narrative shifted. Over the remaining stretch, the Orioles played .491 baseball, going 26-27, and their offensive stats settled into the middle of the pack.
They averaged 4.40 runs per game, placing them 13th, with a corresponding OPS of .702, down to 16th in the league. To put it in perspective, their output was quite close to the league average of 4.39 runs per game.
In light of this shift and the Orioles’ one-run effort across their two postseason games, changes were anticipated. Indeed, the team decided not to retain hitting coaches Ryan Fuller and Matt Borgschulte for the next season.
It’s a move that sparks curiosity among fans—whether these late-season struggles are attributable to coaching, or simply the ebb and flow of a grueling MLB season. Borgschulte, meanwhile, has quickly found a new role as a hitting coach with the Minnesota Twins.
Examining the Orioles’ evolution, it’s clear there’s been significant progress. Their journey over the past four seasons has been one of climb and improvement.
Back in 2021, the Orioles were scoring 4.07 runs per game, good for 26th in the league. Fast forward to 2024, and they’ve bolstered that figure to 4.85, climbing to 4th in the majors.
Over the course of the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined, they sit fourth in MLB in runs per game, trailing only powerhouses like the Dodgers, Braves, and Diamondbacks.
In terms of OPS during this same two-year span, the Orioles rank a solid sixth in the majors with .746, while their perennial rivals, the Yankees, place 11th with a .732 OPS. The Orioles’ bright spots throughout the summer—scoring for much of the months above league average—demonstrate the potential and highs they are capable of reaching.
Looking forward, the coaching changes signify a fresh start but don’t necessitate sweeping overhauls. Tweaks, adjustments, and new perspectives are on the horizon. The hope is that the foundational philosophies and practices that have elevated the Orioles near the top won’t be discarded in haste, but rather built upon, continuing their climb amongst baseball’s elite.
