Baltimore Orioles Receive Modest Grade After Disappointing End to Season

The 2024 season for the Baltimore Orioles began with palpable optimism. The team, which had shown impressive growth over the last few years, had hopes of making a deep postseason run and possibly contending for a World Series title. After a successful regular season, the Orioles found themselves in playoff contention once again. However, despite a promising start and an exciting roster, the Orioles’ season ended in disappointment. In the aftermath, the team received a relatively modest grade for its performance in the 2024 season, reflecting both the success and the frustrations that marked the year.

A Strong Regular Season but an Early Postseason Exit

The Baltimore Orioles’ 2024 season was largely characterized by their dominant regular-season play, which left fans with high hopes as they entered the playoffs. The team finished the regular season with a solid record, buoyed by some of the league’s most impressive performances in both pitching and hitting. The Orioles’ pitching staff, in particular, had stepped up in a way that few could have predicted, with a few young arms making their mark and established players continuing to perform at a high level. The offensive lineup, led by stars like Adley Rutschman, Cedric Mullins, and Ryan Mountcastle, was equally potent, and the team played an exciting brand of baseball that energized the fanbase.

However, the joy of the regular season quickly gave way to disappointment when the Orioles were eliminated early in the postseason. Despite their impressive run during the regular season, they faltered in the postseason, falling short of expectations. The team’s exit came at the hands of a more experienced and battle-tested opponent, but the early exit was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering how well the Orioles had performed throughout the year.

The contrast between the regular season and postseason performances was stark. In the playoffs, several key players, particularly the team’s starting pitchers and some of their offensive stars, struggled to maintain the high level of play they had demonstrated in the regular season. The pressure of the postseason seemed to take its toll, and the Orioles found themselves unable to match up against the top-tier competition they faced.

Strengths of the 2024 Baltimore Orioles

Despite the playoff disappointment, there were several positives to take away from the Orioles’ 2024 season. These strengths helped the team reach the postseason in the first place and laid a solid foundation for the future.

1. Pitching Staff Improvement

In recent years, pitching had been a question mark for the Orioles, but in 2024, their staff emerged as one of the team’s strongest assets. The addition of some promising young arms, coupled with the continued strong performance of established pitchers, made the pitching staff one of the most improved units in the league.

Young pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez showed flashes of brilliance, and veterans such as Kyle Gibson and Dean Kremer provided stability and reliability in the rotation. The bullpen, led by closer Felix Bautista, also performed admirably throughout the season, consistently coming through in high-pressure situations. The pitching staff’s ability to limit damage, particularly in close games, kept the Orioles in contention even when the offense faltered.

2. Offensive Power

Baltimore’s offense was another bright spot in 2024. The lineup featured a mix of established power hitters and emerging stars, making the Orioles one of the more dangerous teams in the American League. Adley Rutschman, the team’s star catcher, continued to improve both at the plate and behind it, providing a consistent bat and solid leadership.

Ryan Mountcastle and Cedric Mullins, two of the team’s cornerstones, were also instrumental in the team’s success. Mountcastle’s power and Mullins’ speed and defense were key elements that kept the offense balanced and dynamic. Furthermore, the additions of a few impact hitters during the offseason paid off, providing depth and versatility to the lineup.

3. Defensive Excellence

One area where the Orioles shined throughout the 2024 season was their defense. The team was one of the best in the league in terms of defensive efficiency, thanks in large part to the stellar play of their infielders and outfielders. Shortstop Jorge Mateo and third baseman Gunnar Henderson formed one of the most dynamic defensive duos in the league, regularly making spectacular plays to keep opponents from scoring.

The outfield, anchored by Mullins, also provided excellent defense, with all three outfielders consistently making difficult catches and keeping runners from advancing. This defensive prowess allowed the Orioles to minimize mistakes and often helped them escape jams, making the team difficult to break through against.

Areas of Concern

Despite their strengths, there were several areas of concern that contributed to the Orioles’ early postseason exit and limited their overall success in 2024.

1. Postseason Underperformance

The most glaring weakness was the team’s inability to perform in the postseason. While the Orioles had the talent and momentum coming out of the regular season, they struggled to match up against the high-caliber competition they faced. The team’s offense, which had been potent during the regular season, seemed to go cold in the postseason. Players like Mountcastle and Mullins, who had been key contributors, were unable to replicate their regular-season success in the high-pressure playoff environment.

Similarly, while the pitching staff had been solid during the regular season, the postseason spotlight proved difficult for some of the team’s younger pitchers. Grayson Rodriguez, for example, failed to replicate his dominant performances from the regular season, and veteran arms showed signs of wear under the postseason intensity. This combination of underperformance by key players and the overall lack of postseason experience contributed to the team’s early exit.

2. Lack of Depth in the Lineup

While the Orioles had a solid starting lineup, they lacked significant depth when it came to offensive firepower. While Rutschman, Mountcastle, and Mullins were excellent, other players did not always provide the support needed in key situations. For example, players like Austin Hays and Anthony Santander had inconsistent seasons, failing to provide enough of a spark when the team needed it most.

Additionally, the bench depth for the Orioles was not as strong as some of their competitors. In high-stakes games, when regular starters were struggling or getting injured, the lack of depth became an issue. This depth issue was particularly noticeable in the playoffs when the team needed to rely on role players to step up in clutch moments.

3. Inconsistent Hitting with Runners in Scoring Position

Throughout the season, the Orioles were prone to leaving runners stranded in scoring position, a problem that became even more pronounced during their postseason struggles. While they had the ability to generate offense, they often failed to capitalize on key opportunities with runners in scoring position. This inability to deliver in clutch situations ultimately hurt the team during high-stakes moments, especially in the postseason where every run counts.

What the Orioles Can Build On

Despite their postseason disappointment, the 2024 season was not without its successes, and the Orioles can take away several lessons from this year. Their pitching staff, offensive potential, and defensive prowess all suggest that the team is well-positioned for future success. However, to reach the next level, the Orioles will need to focus on a few key areas.

1. Bolstering the Lineup

The Orioles could benefit from adding a few more reliable bats, particularly in the outfield and middle infield. By improving their lineup depth, the team can avoid the kind of offensive stagnation that plagued them in the postseason. Adding another power hitter or a contact bat with high on-base skills could help ensure that the team is able to perform at a high level when it matters most.

2. Developing Postseason Experience

A lack of experience in high-pressure situations is something that many young teams struggle with, and the Orioles are no exception. While they have the talent, developing a better mental approach to the postseason will be key for their future success. Building a roster with more postseason-tested players could help the Orioles handle the intensity of the playoffs better.

3. Improving Bench Depth

The team should consider adding depth to their bench, particularly in the form of versatile players who can provide reliable bat and defensive support. This would allow manager Brandon Hyde more flexibility when making in-game decisions and provide more options in critical moments.