Predicting the Baltimore Orioles’ 2024 Starting Lineup

The Baltimore Orioles’ resurgence in 2023 was one of the most exciting stories in Major League Baseball. After finishing below .500 for several years, the Orioles made a statement by finishing with a 101-61 record, earning their first playoff berth since 2016. With a promising young core and a competitive farm system, the Orioles are positioned to make another run in 2024. However, the question on everyone’s mind is: what will their starting lineup look like for the upcoming campaign?

To predict the Orioles’ 2024 starting lineup, it is essential to consider a variety of factors: roster moves, player development, injuries, and matchups with opposing teams. Baltimore’s front office, led by executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias, has made significant strides in building a balanced team with a strong mix of young talent and seasoned veterans. As we delve into the prediction, we will look at position by position and break down the most likely candidates for each starting spot.

1. Catcher: Adley Rutschman

The Orioles have one of the brightest young catchers in the game in Adley Rutschman. Rutschman, the first overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, made an immediate impact in his rookie season (2022) and followed it up with an even stronger 2023. The switch-hitting backstop has proven to be a dynamic player both offensively and defensively, earning All-Star honors in 2023.

In 2023, Rutschman posted a .276/.374/.454 slash line with 23 home runs and 82 RBIs. His ability to work deep counts and his elite framing skills behind the plate make him a cornerstone of the Orioles’ future. Rutschman will likely be the team’s primary catcher in 2024 and a key contributor in the heart of the lineup.

2. First Base: Ryan Mountcastle

Ryan Mountcastle has been a reliable presence at first base for the Orioles since making his MLB debut in 2020. After a somewhat inconsistent 2022, Mountcastle bounced back in 2023, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 75 RBIs while maintaining a solid .251 batting average. His power is a significant asset in the middle of the lineup.

Mountcastle’s defense at first base has also improved, and he provides the Orioles with a much-needed right-handed power bat. While the team has some intriguing prospects at first base, Mountcastle is entrenched as the starter for 2024, with a focus on improving his contact rate and consistency at the plate.

3. Second Base: Adam Frazier

Adam Frazier is a seasoned veteran who joined the Orioles in 2023 after spending time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners. The left-handed hitting Frazier has been a solid contact hitter throughout his career, known for his ability to get on base and contribute in the leadoff or lower portion of the lineup.

In 2023, Frazier posted a .238/.301/.315 slash line with five home runs and 50 RBIs, but his real value lies in his defensive versatility and veteran leadership. While Frazier’s bat doesn’t produce eye-popping power numbers, his ability to get on base and play solid defense at second base is valuable to the team. He is likely to start at second in 2024, though his playing time could be subject to matchups and potential competition from younger players.

4. Shortstop: Jorge Mateo

Jorge Mateo’s speed and elite defense make him a valuable asset to the Orioles’ lineup. Although his bat remains a work in progress, Mateo’s contributions on defense and on the basepaths were key to the Orioles’ success in 2023. He finished the year with a .221 batting average, but he also stole 35 bases and provided excellent defense with his range and arm at shortstop.

Mateo’s ability to disrupt opposing pitchers with his speed gives the Orioles a dynamic leadoff hitter, and his ability to make highlight-reel plays at shortstop helps solidify Baltimore’s defense up the middle. While Mateo may not provide significant offensive output, his overall value and athleticism make him the likely starter at shortstop for 2024.

5. Third Base: Gunnar Henderson

Gunnar Henderson is one of the most highly-touted prospects in baseball, and he showed in 2023 that he is more than ready for the big stage. After debuting in 2022, Henderson had a breakout season in 2023, posting a .254/.328/.462 slash line with 28 home runs and 82 RBIs. He is widely regarded as the future of the Orioles’ infield and offers the potential for 30+ home runs and Gold Glove-caliber defense.

Henderson’s blend of power, patience at the plate, and defensive chops at third base make him a lock for the starting role in 2024. As he continues to refine his game, he could become one of the league’s top all-around third basemen, and the Orioles are counting on him to be a central figure in their offense moving forward.

6. Left Field: Austin Hays

Austin Hays has established himself as a steady presence in left field for the Orioles, known for his strong arm, solid defense, and power bat. After a breakout 2021 season, Hays followed up with another solid campaign in 2023, finishing the year with a .251/.311/.420 slash line, 19 home runs, and 79 RBIs. His ability to play all three outfield spots and his overall consistency make him a valuable part of the Orioles’ roster.

Hays has been a mainstay in left field for Baltimore, and unless there is a major move in the offseason, he is expected to retain that role in 2024. His offensive production, particularly in terms of hitting for extra bases, will be critical for the Orioles as they look to build on their success from 2023.

7. Center Field: Cedric Mullins

Cedric Mullins has been one of the most exciting players for the Orioles in recent seasons, showcasing his elite speed, defensive range, and ability to hit for power. After a remarkable 30-30 season in 2021, Mullins has continued to be a key contributor for the Orioles, finishing 2023 with a .249/.316/.436 slash line, 16 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases.

Mullins’ defense in center field is an asset, and his ability to be a legitimate threat both on the basepaths and at the plate makes him a central figure for the Orioles. Although his offensive numbers in 2023 were a bit down from previous seasons, Mullins remains one of the top center fielders in the American League and will likely be the starter in 2024.

8. Right Field: Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander has been a consistent offensive presence for the Orioles since joining the team in 2017. The switch-hitting Santander is known for his power and ability to drive in runs. In 2023, he posted a .239/.315/.450 slash line, with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs. His ability to hit for power, especially from the right side of the plate, makes him a key contributor to the Orioles’ middle-of-the-order offense.

Santander’s solid defense in right field and his ability to provide power make him a staple in the Orioles’ lineup, and he is expected to start at right field in 2024. While he may not have the same batting average as some of his peers, Santander’s ability to drive in runs and provide power against right-handed pitchers is crucial for the Orioles’ offense.

9. Designated Hitter: Aaron Hicks

Aaron Hicks’ addition to the Orioles in 2023 was seen as a low-risk move with high reward potential, and it paid off. The veteran outfielder-turned-designated hitter provided a solid bat and leadership down the stretch. Hicks posted a .234/.316/.446 slash line in 2023 with 16 home runs and 52 RBIs.

In 2024, Hicks could become the team’s regular designated hitter, particularly against right-handed pitching. His power and ability to take walks make him a valuable piece of the Orioles’ offense. Additionally, the team could rotate other players through the DH spot depending on matchups and injuries.