It Makes Sense for the Baltimore Orioles to Acquire the Previous World Series Winner

The Baltimore Orioles have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent seasons, evolving from one of the league’s most downtrodden franchises to a team on the cusp of contention. As the 2025 season approaches, the Orioles find themselves in an exciting position—on the brink of postseason success. However, to truly solidify their place among the elite teams in Major League Baseball, the Orioles may need to bolster their roster further. One intriguing possibility is the acquisition of a previous World Series winner, a player with the experience and pedigree to lead them into the promised land of October baseball.

In considering such a move, we must examine several factors: the Orioles’ current roster and future outlook, the role of experience in high-pressure moments, and the potential acquisition of a World Series-winning player to fill a specific need. By exploring these aspects, it becomes evident that acquiring a player with a championship pedigree would not only make sense but could propel the Orioles into legitimate World Series contention.

The Orioles’ Current State: A Bright Future

To understand why acquiring a former World Series winner would be beneficial, it is essential to first look at the Orioles’ current situation. As of 2025, the Orioles are coming off a strong 2024 campaign, during which they finished near the top of the American League East. This marked a significant improvement from previous years, as the team embraced a mix of youthful talent and veteran leadership.

One of the key contributors to the Orioles’ resurgence has been their farm system. Players such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez have emerged as cornerstone talents. These young stars have elevated the team to new heights, giving the Orioles a solid foundation for future success. However, while the youth movement has been essential, it is clear that the team’s window for championship contention is now wide open. The next logical step is to complement these young players with experienced veterans who have been through the trials and tribulations of postseason baseball.

The Importance of Experience in Postseason Baseball

While regular season performance is crucial to getting into the postseason, the pressure of playoff baseball is an entirely different beast. The heightened intensity, the pressure of every pitch, and the emotional toll that builds as the season draws closer to its conclusion can be overwhelming—especially for players who have never experienced such a stage.

This is where a World Series winner, or even someone with deep postseason experience, can make a profound impact. Players who have been through the grind of October baseball understand what it takes to perform under pressure. They know how to manage the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies a playoff run and, perhaps most importantly, how to lead by example. Whether it’s through clutch hits, stellar defense, or timely pitching, a veteran with a championship pedigree can show the young Orioles how to rise to the occasion.

Additionally, there is an intangible quality to winning a World Series that transcends statistics. Championship experience teaches a player how to handle adversity, how to keep a level head when everything is on the line. This type of leadership cannot be replicated through coaching alone—it has to come from players who have experienced the highs and lows of the postseason themselves.

Identifying the Right Fit for the Orioles

For the Orioles, acquiring a former World Series winner would make the most sense if it addresses a clear need on the roster. Despite the team’s success in 2024, there are still areas in which they could improve. These areas could include strengthening the pitching staff, bolstering the lineup with a reliable bat, or adding a veteran presence to the clubhouse.

1. Pitching Staff Needs: The Orioles’ pitching staff, while solid, is not quite on the level of some of the league’s elite rotations. Acquiring a pitcher with postseason experience could help elevate the team’s pitching staff when it matters most. A proven postseason performer could serve as a stabilizing force, whether in the rotation or as a key reliever. Someone with the ability to deliver in Game 1 of a playoff series, or in a high-leverage bullpen situation, could be invaluable to the Orioles’ playoff hopes.
2. Offensive Boost: While the Orioles’ offense has been potent, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of power and consistency in key moments. A former World Series-winning player with experience in the heart of a lineup could add another dimension to the team. Whether it’s a reliable hitter with a history of producing in clutch situations or a bat that can help carry the load in the postseason, the Orioles would benefit from a player who has a proven track record of thriving when the stakes are highest.
3. Veteran Leadership: The Orioles’ young core is undeniably talented, but there are still gaps in terms of leadership and experience. Adding a World Series champion to the fold would not only provide a steady hand in high-pressure moments but would also help mentor the younger players. This leadership could be especially vital during the postseason, when the pressure and intensity increase exponentially. The right veteran presence could guide the team’s younger stars through the mental challenges of playoff baseball and help keep them focused on the task at hand.

Potential Targets for the Orioles

Now that we have established why acquiring a previous World Series winner makes sense for the Orioles, the next question is: which player fits this bill? Ideally, the Orioles would target a player who can contribute immediately and fill one of their most pressing needs.

1. Pitchers with Postseason Experience: A pitcher like Max Scherzer, if available, would be an ideal target for the Orioles. Scherzer has three Cy Young Awards to his name and has been a key contributor to World Series-winning teams, most notably with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Scherzer’s track record of dominance in October is well documented, and his ability to handle pressure is unquestioned. Adding him to the Orioles’ rotation would instantly elevate the staff, providing a reliable ace who can be trusted in the postseason.

   Another potential target could be Justin Verlander. A two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros, Verlander has been one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. His veteran leadership and ability to perform in high-leverage moments make him an intriguing option for the Orioles. Even though he is in the latter stages of his career, his experience and postseason success would be invaluable for a team looking to take the next step.

2. Veteran Position Players: On the position-player side, Mookie Betts stands out as a potential target. Betts, a World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is one of the most complete players in baseball. He provides a potent bat, elite defense, and the type of leadership that could galvanize the Orioles’ young roster. While acquiring a player of Betts’ caliber might be difficult, he would be the ideal addition to the lineup, offering both production and invaluable experience.

   Another possible target could be Carlos Correa, a World Series champion with the Houston Astros. Correa’s leadership and ability to perform in high-pressure situations could serve as an asset to a team that is aiming to make a deep playoff run. His presence would not only bolster the Orioles’ infield but also provide the type of veteran experience needed for a postseason run.

The Case for Building with Experience and Youth

The combination of youth and experience is a formula that has proven successful for many championship teams in the past. By acquiring a former World Series winner, the Orioles could strike the perfect balance between their up-and-coming stars and the veteran leadership necessary to make a deep postseason run.

The addition of a player with championship experience would send a message to the entire roster that the Orioles are serious about contending for a World Series. It would not only improve the team on the field but also help the younger players learn the mental side of the game, preparing them for the postseason grind.