2024-25 MLB Offseason Recap: Baltimore Orioles

For the second-straight season, the Orioles made the MLB Postseason — but failed to win a game in October baseball. Baltimore was set to lose several notable names off their 2024 roster and did. But, Baltimore got creative to replace their departed superstars, highlighted by a former 30-home run hitter.

Notable Additions

• OF Dylan Carlson (-1.2 bWAR in 2024)
• RP Andrew Kittredge (1.5 bWAR)
• OF Ramon Laureano (1.3 bWAR)
• SP Charlie Morton (1.1 bWAR)
• OF Tyler O’Neill (2.6 bWAR)
• C Gary Sanchez (0.2 bWAR)
• SP Tomoyuki Sugano (Pitched in Japan during 2024 season)

Baltimore headed into the winter set to lose their home run leader from 2024, plus the ace acquired last winter (I’ll get more into that in the next section). Thus, replacements were needed.

Tyler O’Neill, who belted 31 home runs in Boston last season, headed south to Baltimore on a three-year deal. O’Neill is an analytics darling; despite his durability concerns, the ex-Red Sox boasts plus power and speed that, when he’s healthy, can be a dangerous combination.

O’Neill should benefit from the changes made to Camden Yards, as the Orioles are moving the left walls back in after the team erected the “Great Wall of Baltimore” three years ago. It was a move designed to be a course correction, per GM Mike Elias.

The Orioles also added a catcher to tandem with Adley Rutschman, who Baltimore uses almost every day either as a DH or catcher. A catcher was needed given their backup from 2024 went to free agency but who the Orioles picked up was curious.

Gary Sanchez, who spent 2024 with the Brewers, signed on a one-year deal. Sanchez, like O’Neill, stands to benefit from the Camden Yards changes to left field. On the other hand, Sanchez is a well-below-average defender and receiver at the position, a stark contrast from who Baltimore had at the position each of the last two seasons.

However, the O’s do have Samuel Basallo knocking on the door.

As for the pitching staff, the Orioles won’t have Kyle Bradish for all of 2025, nor Tyler Wells for at least most of the season. Baltimore made several adds to their rotation.

Former NPB star pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano comes from Japan, four years after Sugano originally planned to head over to North America. The right-hander isn’t an overwhelming presence on the mound, and differs heavily from many of the star Japanese pitchers that have made the MLB jump in recent years.

But, Sugano did an impressive job of controlling the zone and limiting walks throughout his time with the Yomiuri Giants.

The Orioles also picked up Charlie Morton, who spent the last several seasons with Atlanta.

Notable Losses

• SP Corbin Burnes (3.4 bWAR)
• RP Danny Coulombe (0.9 bWAR)
• SP John Means (0.7 bWAR)
• C James McCann (0.8 bWAR)
• OF Anthony Santander (2.9 bWAR)
• RP Jacob Webb (0.9 bWAR)

The most notable loss this winter was Corbin Burnes, the Orioles’ big pickup from last winter. Baltimore finally got its ace — one the team was rumored to be after for some time — and Burnes delivered. The right-hander won 15 games, posted a 2.92 ERA, and struck out 181 batters with the O’s.

Burnes signed with the Diamondbacks this past winter.

Anthony Santander’s time with the O’s also ended in 2024. Santander, a former Rule 5 Draft pick by the Orioles, turned into one of the game’s underrated sluggers. But last season, Santander had himself a career season, with 44 home runs and a .814 OPS.

Santander joined division rival Toronto on a five-year deal.

Other notable losses included stable catcher James McCann, Danny Coulombe — who had a club option rejected by the O’s — and John Means. Means was a former All-Star for the O’s but spent most of 2022-24 on the IL.

Means signed with the Guardians in February 2025.

What to Expect in 2025

The Orioles weren’t vociferous spenders this winter. Baltimore didn’t land a similar ace to replace Burnes but will now hope that Grayson Rodriguez can take the mantle as the #1 of the Orioles’ rotation.

Baltimore’s decision to not go all-out in fee agency was also likely influenced by the fact Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, as well as other youngsters, will receive increased salaries as their arbitration-eligible years loom, So, the Orioles — who opted to go for short-term, safer moves this winter — maintained the ability to devote more money towards those names.

At the same time, though, the O’s are very much a win-now team. The Yankees and Red Sox both had loud winters, while the Blue Jays and Rays should also be competitive in the AL East.

It’s not to say the Orioles won’t be competitive. Baltimore should, provided their stars stay healthy. But, it’ll take a group effort — and far better offensive production than what Baltimore received in the second half — in order for the O’s to win a playoff series for the first time in over a decade this year.