Three areas for Baltimore Orioles to focus on during offseason

The Baltimore Orioles may have been the most disappointing team in the American League in 2025.

After reaching the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles were looking to take that next step toward truly contending for a World Series title. However, a quiet offseason was a precursor to a lackluster performance. Manager Brandon Hyde was fired after 43 games, as it became clear that 2025 was a lost season.

There are reasons for optimism. The Orioles responded well with interim manager Tony Mansolino at the helm, posting a 60-59 record down the stretch. The younger players are starting to establish themselves at the major league level. With the right moves, the Orioles could be back in the playoff hunt in 2026.

Three focal points for the Baltimore Orioles

1. It may be time to trade Adley Rutschman

Rutschman appeared to be on the verge of stardom through his first 2.5 years with the Orioles. He then cratered in the second half of 2024, posting a miserable .207/.282/.303 batting line with three home runs and nine doubles in 234 plate appearances after the All-Star Break.

While Rutschman was not as bad in 2025, he was only marginally better as he posted a .220/.307/.366 batting line with nine homers and 16 doubles over 365 plate appearances as he battled strains to both obliques. Although president of baseball operations Mike Elias maintained that Rutschman will be the starting catcher in 2026, top catching prospect Samuel Basallo signed an eight-year, $67 million extension. Rutschman's days in Baltimore may be numbered, and those discussions should begin this offseason.

2. Find a viable closer for 2026

The Orioles already have a significant hole in the bullpen heading into 2026. Former All-Star closer Felix Bautista underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for most, if not all, of the upcoming season.

The Orioles have been through this before, as Bautista missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Craig Kimbrel was signed to take over as closer, but struggled to a 5.33 ERA and a 1.357 WHiP over 52.1 innings before being released in September. Options such as Kenley Jansen and Devin Williams are expected to be available in free agency, although Williams may command a longer deal than the Orioles would be comfortable with. If the Orioles are going to contend in 2026, they cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2024.

3. Be aggressive to keep the window open

The Orioles were complacent during the 2024-25 offseason, tinkering around the edges while hoping for continued growth from their young core. That approach helped contribute to the Orioles' disappointing season.

That cannot be the case this offseason as Elias' seat gets hotter. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Orioles are expected to be aggressive in free agency, particularly on the pitching front. While the Orioles need a top-of-the-rotation starter and to improve the bullpen, Elias needs to improve their defense and find a middle-of-the-order bat. This needs to be a busy and eventful offseason in Baltimore.