As the calendar turns from 2024 to 2025, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves in a position where their future seems bright, but critical decisions need to be made. The team has seen significant growth over the past few years, with a solid roster that has a chance to contend for the long haul. However, as we step into the new year, the Orioles still have plenty of work to do to ensure their continued success, both in terms of roster construction and postseason performance.
Though the past couple of weeks have been relatively quiet in terms of major signings and trades, the Orioles are still in a good spot for 2025. Tyler O’Neill and Gary Sanchez were key additions, but the team is likely focused on improving through the trade market, especially when it comes to adding a top-tier starting pitcher. The team’s farm system remains one of the most promising in baseball, though with a few prospects graduating to the majors, their trade options have been slightly reduced. That said, there are still plenty of opportunities for the team to make moves in the new year. As the Orioles look to solidify their roster, here are some resolutions the team should focus on in 2025:
1. Return to the Playoffs and Actually Win in October
For Baltimore, one of the primary goals in 2025 has to be to finally win a postseason game and end their 10-game playoff losing streak. Their most recent postseason victory came back in 2014, when they won Game 3 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers. Since then, the Orioles have yet to record a postseason win, as they were swept out of the 2014 ALCS and have missed the playoffs in the years following.
The Orioles have made significant strides in recent seasons and are now considered one of the stronger teams in the AL. However, while getting to the playoffs is an important milestone, it won’t mean much if the team can’t break through and win a postseason series. The team has a talented and young roster, but the real test will come in October when they have to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the league.
The American League East is likely to be as competitive as ever in 2025, with teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox looking to bounce back from down years. Even within their division, the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays are strong contenders, and the Orioles will need to bring their A-game all season long. Achieving a division title won’t be easy, but the Orioles are positioned well to compete for the top spot. Their goal should be to secure a playoff berth and then not just be content with getting there. Winning in October has to be the priority.
2. Sign Gunnar Henderson to a Contract Extension
Gunnar Henderson has quickly become the face of the Baltimore Orioles. At just 23 years old, Henderson has already demonstrated that he has the potential to be one of the best players in baseball. His bat is dynamic, and his glove at third base is among the best in the game. Given his importance to the team’s future, signing Henderson to a contract extension should be one of the top priorities for the Orioles front office.
Henderson is currently set to hit free agency after the 2028 season, so the team has several more years of team control before they need to make a decision. However, it would be wise for the Orioles to start the negotiations now and secure their star player for the long term. One hurdle to these talks will be the fact that Henderson is represented by Scott Boras, who is notorious for pushing his clients to test free agency and pursue the most lucrative deal possible. Still, we’ve seen recent examples of top young stars agreeing to long-term contracts before reaching free agency, such as Bobby Witt Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr., both of whom signed extensions in the range of $200-300 million before hitting their free-agent years.
If the Orioles want to keep Henderson in Baltimore for the long haul, they will likely need to offer him a deal similar to the one Witt Jr. received, which was worth over $200 million. However, it’s plausible that the Orioles may need to go even higher—perhaps $350 million or more—to keep Henderson with the team through his prime years. This would be a substantial investment, but it’s one the team should be willing to make given Henderson’s tremendous upside. He is a dynamic player who has the potential to be the face of the franchise for the next decade.
There’s also the potential for uncertainty surrounding the future of MLB’s local broadcasting revenue, and the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement in 2026 could lead to a strike or lockout. This may make a long-term deal with Henderson even more attractive to both the Orioles and the player himself. While the risk of a lockout or strike remains uncertain, Henderson might prefer the security of a massive contract now rather than waiting for free agency when the landscape of the sport could be in flux.
3. Add a Top Starting Pitcher
As we move into 2025, one of the most pressing needs for the Orioles is a top starting pitcher to anchor the rotation. While they have a strong lineup and solid bullpen, their starting staff lacks an ace, and in a division as competitive as the AL East, they’ll need a pitcher who can consistently go toe-to-toe with some of the best in the league.
The Orioles have already made some moves to bolster their pitching staff, such as the signing of Tomoyuki Sugano, but he has yet to prove himself in Major League Baseball. The team will need more than just Sugano if they’re to seriously contend for a World Series title. Jack Flaherty, Corbin Burnes, and Luis Castillo have all been rumored to be on the trade block, and the Orioles should be active in exploring a deal for a top-tier arm. The Orioles have the talent in their farm system to swing a trade for a frontline pitcher, but it will take a creative and aggressive approach to acquire the right piece.
Conclusion
As 2025 dawns, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves in a unique position. After several years of rebuilding, the team is now competitive and ready to make a deeper playoff run. Their focus in the coming months should be clear: make the postseason once again and finally win in October. However, this will be a tough challenge, given the fierce competition within the AL East. In addition, the team should prioritize locking up Gunnar Henderson to a long-term contract, as he has the potential to be the face of the franchise for years to come. Finally, the Orioles need to add another top starting pitcher to their rotation to complement their promising roster. With a few key moves and some successful negotiations, the Orioles could be poised for a successful 2025 season and beyond.
