Baltimore Orioles Continue to Leave Multiple Offseason Goals and Needs Incomplete

As Major League Baseball’s offseason approaches its midpoint, teams across the league are finishing up their plans to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. For the Baltimore Orioles, a team that is coming off a promising 2023 season and looking to build on its young talent, the offseason has been marked by missed opportunities and unfinished business. While the team has made some moves, several critical goals and needs remain unaddressed as spring training looms on the horizon.

The Orioles, who finished 83-79 in 2023, just shy of a playoff berth, made significant strides in developing a competitive roster. However, as they prepare for the 2024 season, the team faces a difficult balancing act of leveraging their emerging talent while addressing glaring weaknesses. The front office, under general manager Mike Elias, has been methodical in its approach to roster construction. Still, there is growing concern among fans and analysts that the Orioles are leaving too many goals unfulfilled, which could hinder their pursuit of a deeper postseason run.

1. The Starting Rotation: A Persistent Need

Arguably the Orioles’ most glaring need heading into the 2024 season is the starting rotation. While the offense and bullpen showed promise in 2023, the starting pitching staff remained inconsistent, and there is little to suggest that the problem has been fully addressed in the offseason.

The Orioles have a talented group of pitchers, headlined by young guns like Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed for a true playoff contender. Rodriguez, a highly touted prospect, struggled with command issues in 2023, leading to some rough outings. Kremer, on the other hand, was solid at times but didn’t show the type of dominance needed from a true ace. With both pitchers still developing, there is considerable uncertainty about how their growth will translate in 2024.

The team does have established veteran options like Kyle Gibson and Cole Irvin, but these additions have not provided the kind of high-impact depth that a playoff-bound team typically requires. While the club’s ability to develop young pitchers is undeniable, there is a clear need for an experienced, front-line starter to solidify the rotation. The failure to add a true ace or at least a reliable mid-rotation arm during the offseason is a major oversight that could hold back the team’s growth.

The Orioles did reportedly show interest in a few free-agent pitchers but were hesitant to commit significant dollars or years to any of the top-tier arms available, which was reflective of their overall cautious approach to spending. This mindset is understandable given the team’s long-term goals, but it is also clear that they need to bolster their rotation if they are to compete in a competitive AL East division. Without a reliable top-three option to complement the young arms, the team could find itself in a situation where their offense and bullpen are forced to pick up the slack, an unsustainable model for long-term success.

2. The Catcher Position: A Longstanding Question Mark

Another area where the Orioles have yet to make significant progress is at the catcher position. While Adley Rutschman, one of the best young catchers in the game, is firmly entrenched as the team’s starting backstop, the backup catcher situation remains a question mark. The club relied on James McCann in 2023, and while he was serviceable, his offensive production was underwhelming. The Orioles’ inability to secure a more reliable backup catcher or pursue an upgrade for this critical position has left many scratching their heads.

The backup catcher role may not be the flashiest need, but it is one that requires attention, especially considering the wear and tear on Rutschman’s body. Catchers are among the most physically demanding positions, and with Rutschman expected to play a full season, having a strong backup option is vital. The Orioles could have added a veteran presence to provide relief on days when Rutschman needs rest, but they have opted to remain with McCann or potentially promote internal options.

Although the Orioles have some intriguing prospects in the minors, such as Samuel Basallo, a near-future catcher, they have yet to bring in a seasoned, reliable veteran to serve as a mentor for the young players while offering legitimate offensive production when Rutschman is off the field.

3. Outfield Depth: A Hole in the Lineup

The Orioles’ outfield was one of the most exciting aspects of the team in 2023, with standout performances from Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, and rookie Gunnar Henderson, who looked like a future star. However, as the offseason has unfolded, the team has not done much to solidify its outfield depth.

Mullins, the Orioles’ primary center fielder, has been an effective all-around player but dealt with injuries in 2023 that limited his production at times. Santander is a reliable power hitter but could be better suited for a corner outfield role, which raises concerns about the team’s ability to find a more natural fit in center field. While Henderson is a rising star, his role in the infield means the team needs to find a way to supplement the outfield with additional pieces.

The Orioles did make a move to acquire a minor-league outfielder, but this seems like more of a depth addition than a true upgrade. The lack of an external commitment to improving the outfield depth signals a failure to address one of the team’s critical weaknesses. While the team is hopeful that players like Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad can make an impact in 2024, there are too many uncertainties about their readiness to step into a major league role.

This continued neglect of the outfield could come back to haunt the Orioles, as a lack of depth in the event of an injury could cripple an otherwise promising lineup. Considering the team’s offensive potential, an improved outfield could put them over the top, but it seems as though the front office is hesitant to make a significant move.

4. The Bullpen: Good, But Not Great

The Orioles’ bullpen was a strength in 2023, as closer Félix Bautista emerged as one of the best in the game. However, the rest of the bullpen was somewhat volatile, and the team did not address its bullpen in a meaningful way during the offseason. While the Orioles have quality relievers like Yennier Cano and Dillon Tate, they are in need of a few more reliable arms to complement Bautista.

In a division as tough as the AL East, teams like the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays can field elite bullpens that can consistently shut down opposition late in games. While the Orioles have a strong core of relievers, they lack the depth and consistency that could make their bullpen an elite unit. Adding a few more established names or taking a risk on a high-upside reliever could have made a significant difference in bolstering the team’s chances in tight games.

5. Offensive Consistency: Still Some Gaps

While the Orioles’ offense was certainly one of the bright spots of the 2023 season, the team still has gaps to fill. The middle infield, specifically at shortstop and second base, could see some improvement in both offensive production and defensive consistency.

Jordan Westburg and Gunnar Henderson will likely occupy these spots in 2024, but neither has yet proven themselves to be a consistent force at the plate. The Orioles did not pursue a high-profile free agent at the position, meaning they are betting on their young players continuing to develop and improve. This is a risky proposition, especially in a competitive division where offensive consistency is essential.

Additionally, while Santander and Mullins provide solid offensive production, the team lacks a true middle-of-the-order slugger capable of consistently driving in runs. The Orioles will need to rely on a committee of hitters to step up, but a proven power bat in the lineup could give them a more balanced approach to their offensive attack.